The following national and regional positions of responsibility have been held by Dr Palferman:
- Chairman of British Society for Rheumatology Clinical Affairs Committee 2001 - 04
- Member of Council and Executive of British Society for Rheumatology 2000 - 04
- President of Local Branches of Arthritis Care and Arthritis Research Campaign
- President, Section of Rheumatology, Royal Society of Medicine 2004 - 05
- Chairman, South West Regional Advisory Board on Osteoporosis
- Royal College of Physicians South West Regional Specialty Adviser in Rheumatology
- Royal College of Physicians London Tutor
