The BSCA is an organisation for clinicians who want to know why their patients develop inflammatory dermatoses.  Our mission is twofold, to promote a better knowledge of contact dermatitis and cutaneous allergy and to promote best practice for patients undergoing the investigation and management of contact dermatitis and related skin conditions.  We achieve this for our patients by producing and regularly updating evidence based recommended baseline and specialist allergen series, writing clear and relevant Patient Information Leaflets, researching and investigating new and emerging allergens, increasing cooperation with colleagues, regulators and industry for the benefit of patients and consumers, offering regular high quality educationally approved meetings and courses, publishing our data in high quality peer reviewed journals in the field of contact allergy and developing a database for recording of minimum datasets.  In addition, there is a useful clinical forum where members can post questions and discuss cases with colleagues which is ideal for those learning the ropes or early in their career.