The purpose of the Society is the study and advancement of Neurosurgery. This is achieved through the scientific meetings of the Society, through publications arising from deliberations about aspects of Neurosurgical practice and delivery of Neurosurgical services, through fostering professional relationships amongst neurosurgeons and through engagement with the public and bodies involved in the provision of care to patients requiring Neurosurgery. 

The Society promotes safe and effective Neurosurgical treatment for patients throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Recommendations on the acquired standards for the provision of Neurosurgical services have been set out in 'Safe Neurosurgery 2000', in 'Safe Paediatric Neurosurgery 2001', and the actions required to support these are set out in the 'British Neurosurgical Workforce Plan 2000 - 2015'. High standards of professional practice are also promoted through the Society's involvement in the education and the examination of Neurosurgeons and through its scientific meetings and associated activities in the continuing professional development of Neurosurgeons. Abstracts of papers presented to Society meetings, and other aspects of formal Society business are published in the Society's official journal, the British Journal of Neurosurgery.  The SBNS has established the Neurosurgical National Audit Programme. Details are available at www.hed.nhs.uk/sbns.