These are UK bodies that provide doctors with advice and, where appropriate, financial support in defending claims for clinical negligence. They also advise doctors on all legal aspects of their work, including patients’ complaints, and provide representation for members called to account by the GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC) or other regulatory body. The defence societies liaise with the NHS Litigation Authority when advising their doctor members on responding to claims (see MEDICAL LITIGATION; CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE).