The Association of Natural Medicine

The Association of Natural Medicine was established in 1983 by a group of friends and colleagues with a common interest in and enthusiasm for complementary medicine. Together they aimed to promote interest in the use of natural medicine through education, by offering quality courses, supporting registered practitioners and supplying a forum for debate. The ANM later achieved charity status and is conscious of its responsibility to the public, its members and the standing of all complementary therapies. We act as an umbrella organisation, giving support and education in a broad range of therapies and maintaining a register of practitioners in whom we are confident to make referrals to the general public. In 2008 we celebrated 25 years!


Our aims are best summarised as:

* Bringing together practitioners, students and interested individuals from the various disciplines of natural medicine who wish to support the Association and its aims.
* Promoting interest in natural medicine with the public at large and providing information and instruction for their benefit.
* Fostering and encouraging research and development in the areas covered by natural medicine.
* Providing qualifying courses for practitioners in natural medicine.
* Sponsoring an insurance scheme, open to all qualified practitioners registered with the ANM, to ensure that patients and clients are adequately protected against injury, accident and malpractice.
* Speaking with as loud a voice as possible on behalf of all members in establishing natural medicine in its rightful place in the field of healing.
* Fostering understanding and co-operation with members of medical profession sympathetic to natural medicine and developing such sympathies wherever possible.
* Providing courses, workshops, seminars and attending exhibitions to further these aims and to publish and circulate a quarterly journal to all members and associates.

The Association of Natural Medicine is the Registering body for a wide range of professional therapists. Registered Members (RMANM) must satisfy the ANM that they have completed acceptable training in their therapy, they must be suitably insured, and must provide evidence of Continued Professional Development (CPD).
Membership Benefits

* Excellent value insurance for qualified Registered therapists
* Multi-discipline membership receiving a quarterly journal with articles and advertising on natural health matters
* Priority booking & discounts on all ANM lectures, demonstrations, meetings & social events
* Patient referral from enquiries received at the ANM office
* Publicise your practice, Free Of Charge, by inclusion in the ANM Directory of Practitioners, on our website www.associationnaturalmedicine.co.uk
* Learn and network at ANM complementary therapies practitioner workshops
* Take advantage of ANM support,guidance and supervision opportunities.
* Rest assured that the ANM is representing your interests at national level (e.g. Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council).

Membership Categories

Fellowship (FANM)
Offered at the discretion of the Governing Council to those who are considered to have done outstanding work in the field of natural medicine. Members who are awarded a Fellowship are entitled to use the initials FANM after their name.

Registered Member (RMANM)
This is awarded following examination, or at the discretion of the Governing Council. Only fully qualified practitioners who are currently practicing and have insurance cover through the ANM scheme or another comparable scheme may apply for registration. Evidence of Continuing Professional Deleopment (CPD) is required. Registered members must comply with the Association's criteria. Registered Members are entitled to use the initials RMANM after their name and have the option to appear in the Directory of Practitioners on our website FREE OF CHARGE. Registered Membership (RMANM) is £85 per annum (this is a reduced rate for 2009/10 only!), discounts also available depending on when you join.

Both of the above are able to vote at the AGM.

Membership (MANM)
Open to anyone interested in natural medicine and the work of the association. Either non practicing or qualified practicing members who for some reason do not fulfil the full criteria for Registered Membership. Members are entitled to use the initials MANM after their name. Membership (MANM) is £25 per annum (this is a reduced rate for 2009/10 only!), discounts also available depending on when you join.

Insurance

The ANM offer a specially negotiated insurance scheme arranged by Jack Lawrence Insurance Services through Balens and insured through Zurich; this scheme is only available to Registered Members (RMANM) and Fellows (FANM). The insurance policy runs from 1st September yearly. Discounts on premiums are offered according to when you join and ANM students receive a 25% reduction from the total premium.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The initial qualification to practise is the first step in your professional development. To keep the standard of your work high and to gain most satisfaction, you need to continue to develop personally and professionally.

CPD is part of this process and can take many forms i.e. courses, workshops, research, reading and writing articles, investigating a new condition, discussions of practice or therapeutic issues in supervision and much more!

The ANM encourages professional practice by requiring all Registered (RMANM) and Fellow (FANM) members to follow a minimum of two days (15 hours) CPD each year prior to renewal of registration. This is in line with our Code of Ethics and most other professional associations now require their registered therapists to do the same. Remember always record all involvements and obtain confirmation of attendance, as proof may be required.

Registered (RMANM) and Fellow (FANM) membership will not be processed unless CPD is complete.