Indemnity scheme for healthcare workers

The scheme covers:

• Nurses and Midwives (NMC registered)
• Dental Nurses (GDC registered)
• Qualified Social Workers (HCPC registered)
• Allied Health Professionals (HCPC registered), such as Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists

The scheme does not cover:

• Employed staff: If you're working under a contract of employment (e.g., for the NHS, private hospitals, GP practices, or even via an umbrella company if it's an employment contract), your employer is typically vicariously liable and should provide their own indemnity. Make sure to check your contract of employment.
• Self-employed or Business Owners: You will need to arrange your own indemnity/insurance.
• Voluntary Work/Honorary Contracts: The organisation you volunteer for should provide indemnity cover.
• Student Placements: Your placement provider should arrange indemnity cover.
• Work outside the UK.
• Aesthetic or cosmetic therapies.
• Claims arising from deliberate intent to cause harm, criminal activity, fraud, or sexual misconduct.
• Certain specific clinical practices, such as midwifery incisions (e.g., circumcision) or student midwives providing intrapartum care.
• Agency or bank workers: Your coverage depends on your employment status. If you are employed by the agency/bank or end-user, you are likely excluded. If not, and no other cover is provided, Community’s scheme may apply. Make sure to check your contract.
• “Good Samaritan” Acts: The scheme does not extend to nurses providing emergency care outside normal working hours, provided they act within their competence and are aware of personal safety.

It's crucial to notify Community as soon as possible if:

• You become aware of any circumstances that could lead to a claim.
• A clinical negligence claim is made against you.
• You receive a Letter of Claim or Notice of Claim (within 14 days).

Please provide all supporting documentation at the time of notification. Do not admit liability or settle a claim without prior written consent from the Indemnity Committee.

All notifications must be in writing and addressed to:

Community Indemnity Committee c/o Community Member Service Centre Suite 7/8, Elgar House, Green Street Kidderminster, DY10 1JF

This committee, comprised of senior Union officials, oversees the scheme. They administer requests for support and may seek legal advice, impose conditions, or withdraw support as appropriate.

If you have a query or concern, it will be referred to the Indemnity Committee. You have the right to appeal their decision to the National Executive Council within 3 months of written notification.

After joining, if you are opted into email, you will automatically receive an email which confirms your indemnity cover.

If you have lost this email, or require a physical letter as proof, please get in touch.

Indemnity is financial protection that covers the cost of a clinical negligence claim made against you, including:

• Compensation for non-financial losses, such as physical or mental illness suffered by a claimant
• Financial losses directly linked to the injury, like lost wages or the cost of care
• Legal costs incurred while defending the claim

Community’s indemnity scheme is a discretionary contractual arrangement, not a traditional insurance policy. This means that, provided you meet the specific conditions and are eligible to make a claim, Community has the discretion to cover these significant financial costs, up to a maximum of £1 million for any one claim.