The Council of Heads of Medical Schools and Deans of UK Faculties of Medicine was originally established in January 1992 (formerly as the Council of Deans of UK Medical Schools and Faculties).

Its main purpose as the authoritative voice of the Deans/Heads of University Faculties of Medicine and Medical Schools in the UK is to:

be a principal source for informed opinion and advice on all matters concerning basic medical education and medical school research in the UK and on the relationship between medical schools and the NHS;

improve and maintain quality in basic medical education and general clinical training and to facilitate sharing of experience;

promote medical education and research through collaboration with the NHS, Government Departments, the General Medical Council, the Royal Colleges, the Research Councils and the Medical Research Charities;

promote and develop relationships with medical schools and universities in other countries concerning medical education and research;

serve as a point of reference for the media.

The Council works in close partnership with Universities UK, the Council of Deans of Dental Schools, and the UK University Hospitals Forum, which comprises the Chief Executives of main university hospital NHS Trusts.