The values and behaviours articulated in FMLM leadership standards underpin the principles of the General Medical Council’s (GMC’s) Good Medical Practice and the guidance in Leadership and Management for all doctors. They are relevant and apply equally for all medical and dental professionals across the UK, as well as being widely adopted for clinical and non-clinical staff. Moreover, they form a basis for organisations to support clinicians in management and leadership positions for the benefit of the organisation and to demonstrate effective leadership to address the requirements of organisational regulators.

This third edition (2021) links the Standards with FMLM Fellowship, which was introduced in 2016 for those who demonstrate high levels of leadership competence. There are five types of Fellowship to reflect the levels at which individuals operate at different stages of their careers: Associate Fellow, Fellow, Collaborative Fellow, International Fellow and Senior Fellow. Moreover, Fellowship recognises the leadership of doctors in training, as well as other professionals at early and mid career stages, and offers this important group the opportunity to benchmark their leadership and management skills against set standards.