Complaint Schemes For Private Clinics Compared

Updated 18 October 2026

Private clinics in the UK can choose between several independent complaint schemes. They differ on price, on whether they help settle a complaint or only rule on it, on whether a decision binds the clinic, and on whether they cover the complaints clinics actually get: unhappiness with the result of a treatment.

At a glance

Scheme	Price	Helps settle	Binding on clinic	Adjudication cost	Clinic software
HSCAMP	From £250 a year	Yes	Yes	Fixed £1,800	Yes
ISCAS	Revenue based, over £800 a year	Separate scheme	Yes	Average £3,600	No
CHIAS	£210 a year	Support only	Yes	£1,400	No
Cosmetic Redress Scheme	£15 a year	No	No	£150	No
Nockolds	Not published	Mediation	No	Not published	No
Dental Complaints Service	Free	Yes	No	Free	No

What makes HSCAMP different

HSCAMP is the only scheme here that combines settlement support, adjudication that covers treatment outcomes, published prices and its own clinic software in one membership.
Most complaints are settled through Complaint Resolution, before they reach adjudication, with medical input on every case.
Every member gets the Clinic Portal to log complaints and keep CQC ready records, and HSCAMP AI free with membership.
HSCAMP does not turn a patient away when their clinic is not a member. With the patient's permission, we contact the clinic, tell it about the complaint and invite it to use HSCAMP.
CTSI accreditation is in progress under the new ADR rules.

Which should you choose?

Start with the complaints your clinic actually receives. If most are about results, check that a scheme covers outcomes: the Cosmetic Redress Scheme does not, and CHIAS excludes clinical negligence. If you want help settling a complaint, not just a ruling at the end, choose a scheme that resolves complaints as well as adjudicating them. And if you want your complaints, your booking data and your patient follow ups in one place, only HSCAMP includes its own clinic software.

Questions

Can I leave ISCAS and join HSCAMP?

Yes. Membership of a complaints scheme is voluntary. Update your complaints policy and tell patients the new independent stage.

Do these schemes award compensation?

None of them awards compensation. ISCAS, CHIAS and HSCAMP all cap goodwill payments in adjudication at £5,000. HSCAMP also works to settle a complaint earlier through Complaint Resolution, where the figure is agreed between the clinic and the patient and is not capped. Compensation for negligence is a matter for the courts.

Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice.