Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The Clinical Effectiveness Standards Board (CESB) was established in 1999 with responsibility for strategy and policy in relation to the College's clinical effectiveness and governance programme. Its main objectives included: development of a co-ordinated and structured programme of audit and guideline activity; co-ordination of a clinical effectiveness programme among the clinical and scientific meetings of the College; co-ordination and development of the College's programme in relation to quality improvement, particularly risk management, accreditation of services and consumer issues. It included representatives from the Department of Health, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), the National Confidential Enquiries, the British Association of Medical Managers, other Royal Medical Colleges, and consumers. It took over co-ordination existing activities including clinical guidelines, Personal Assessment in Continuing Education (PACE) Reviews, and audits. It oversaw the work of the new Clinical Effectiveness Support Unit (CESU). The CESB held its last meeting in April 2000, when a new structure of governance was introduced, including a new Standards Board. From that date, the Guidelines and Audit Committee reported to the Standards Board, which also oversaw the work of CESU.