IDrF launches new Partnerships, with Howden as its first partner
The Independent Doctors Federation is proud to launch our new Partnerships and welcome Howden as its first-ever partner.
Partnerships for IDrF members
A doctor's needs evolve throughout a career in private practice. Whether exploring independent work, establishing and running a practice, managing risk, developing services or planning for the future, members need access to the right knowledge, resources and professional connections at the right time.
The IDrF Partnerships have been created to help meet those needs. They will build closer relationships with carefully selected organisations whose expertise complements IDrF's advocacy, regulatory guidance, education and professional community.
These partnerships will go beyond traditional commercial associations. Each will be grounded in shared values and a mutual commitment to supporting independent doctors, with a focus on useful resources, trusted insight and meaningful connections for members across the lifecycle of private practice.
Howden becomes IDrF's first partner
Howden has worked alongside IDrF as a corporate member for several years, supporting our events, sharing specialist insight on medical indemnity and practice risk, and building relationships with the doctors and clinicians who make up our membership. Its appointment as the IDrF's first partner reflects how that relationship has grown and our shared commitment to supporting independent doctors.
Through the partnership, members will benefit from closer access to Howden's specialist knowledge and practical insight into the risk decisions involved in establishing and running a private practice. The relationship will also create opportunities to develop relevant resources and educational activity around members' needs.
Dr Susan Alexander, President of the Independent Doctors Federation, said:
“Independent practice offers doctors exciting opportunities, but it can also be lonely, frustrating and complex to navigate. Almost overnight, we can find ourselves becoming a managing director, marketing director, HR consultant, accountant, IT support desk and social media manager, while still trying to focus on what we actually trained to do: looking after our patients.
Our core ambition at the IDrF is to put our doctors first and support them from registration through to retirement, ensuring our members have access to the expertise, knowledge and practical advice they need at every stage of their independent careers.
I’m delighted that Howden has become our first partner, bringing together different areas of expertise to help our doctors spend less time drowning in administration and more time doing what we love; serving our patients.”
Olivia Reid, Managing Director of the Independent Doctors Federation, said:
“Private practice is not a single moment in a doctor's career; it is a journey with different challenges at every stage. Our new Partnerships are designed to connect members with trusted organisations, practical resources and specialist knowledge when they need them.
“Howden has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the realities of independent practice through its involvement with our events and members. We are delighted to welcome Howden as our first partner and look forward to building activity that delivers meaningful value for the independent doctor community.”
Simon Gale, Divisional Director at Howden Health and Care, said:
“I couldn't be prouder of this moment. We've worked alongside the IDrF team for years and being named their first-ever partner isn't just a new title for us, it's recognition of a genuine, long-standing commitment to independent doctors. I'm excited about what we can build together next.”
The IDrF looks forward to continuing its work with Howden and developing the opportunities this partnership will create for members and the wider independent healthcare community.