The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) is the alliance providing a collective voice for the arthritis and MSK community in the UK. Their vision is that MSK disorders are a priority in policy and practice in the UK. Currently, they have 40 member organisations, ranging from specialised support groups for rare diseases to major research charities and national professional bodies. ARMA works collectively and collaboratively with their members and partners, to improve standards of care for people with arthritis and other MSK disorders.

In September 2021, ARMA held a roundtable event with multiple stakeholders including the CSP and the MACP to address tackling health inequalities. The report from the roundtable lays out an overview of the issues related to health inequalities. Following on from the roundtable, in February 2023, ARMA launched an inquiry into MSK health inequalities to set out the evidence for inequalities in MSK health related to deprivation and possible underlying reasons, proposed actions both in design and delivery of MSK services and actions to address wider determinants of health and prevention. The results from this critically important enquiry are due for publication later this year before the 2024 MSK Conference.

For further information about ARMA, please visit: arma.uk.net

The UK MSK Partnership Group serves as a community of practice and an expert reference group and/ or steering group for national MSK policy and strategy across the United Kingdom (UK), for professional bodies, professional special interest groups and sub-specialities. Currently, there are 45 representatives in the group across the 4 nations. The group actively supports and contributes to national MSK policies, MSK implementation, competencies, and capabilities in both the clinical and educational fields. It also serves as a platform for a community of practice across a broad range of appropriate MSK organisations within the 4 nations and helps to share and contribute knowledge across the MSK professions and subspecialties in the UK. The group is highly responsive to challenges and issues relevant to MSK health, including health inequalities.

For further information about the UK MSK Partnership Group, please visit: mskpg.co.uk

Versus Arthritis is the UK’s largest arthritis charity, investing in world-class research, providing high-quality services, and campaigning on the issues that matter most to people with arthritis.

Over the last few decades, they have funded over £500m of research and been at the forefront of some of the most important advances in arthritis treatment.

They work across the four nations to influence government and policy, tackle inequalities and promote best practice, building a powerful community of advocates dedicated to improving arthritis care through increased focus, better data and improved training pathways.

They also offer a diverse range of services such as training for primary healthcare providers and tailored support for people living with arthritis through their helpline, health information, physical activity programmes, local support groups and online community.

Versus Arthritis believes everyone with arthritis deserves the same level of treatment and care, regardless of age, background, economic status or location. Notable publications include The State of Musculoskeletal Health 2023 and Chronic Pain in England: Unseen, Unequal, Unfair

For further information about Versus Arthritis, please visit versusarthritis.org