What is the board?
The
BDA board, also known as the Principal Executive Committee (PEC), has overall control and direction of the policy and affairs of the BDA. It is the Association’s board of directors, and as such it holds all requisite statutory, commercial and common law duties and responsibilities. It is also the body responsible for the lawful conduct of the Association as a recognised trade union.
It seeks to balance the competing interests of what is right for the Association with what is right for individual members, and what is right for the profession.
It comprises of
15 elected seats, nine for England, one each for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and three UK-wide seats.
What sort of issues does the board work on?
The board’s role is to guide the direction and strategy of the BDA in terms of governance. Although you will be elected to the board you will also be a legal director of the Association and hence required to adhere to the
seven principles for directors established in the Companies Act, you will also be required to declare and manage any conflicts that you may have.
More details on the formal role of the board and the duties and responsibilities of members.
What does being a board member involve?
As a BDA board member you have the opportunity to shape the strategy undertaken by the only fully representative and political dental body in the UK. In shaping that strategy and ensuring it is delivered you will be having an impact on your profession in a profound way.
The board meets five times a year and the meetings are usually for the whole day. Given the nature of the subjects discussed and decisions taken you will need to commit some time before meetings to reading the relevant papers and to liaising with constituents where appropriate. The extent of this will be somewhat determined by outside developments.
There is no formal training for PEC members, but it can be arranged by the secretary if it is thought to be helpful.
Outside of board meetings, there is no obligation on members to speak publically or make media appearances on behalf of the BDA. However, many choose to as it helps spread the message of what the BDA is trying to achieve. Our experienced media team is on hand to support you for any public speaking or media appearances and training and support is provided.
Board positions also attract an annual stipend of £15,000 per annum as well as reasonable travel expenses for official meetings.
How long are seats elected for?
BDA board members are elected by their constituents on a three-year basis.
At the first meeting following each election the members elect a Chair and Vice-Chair to serve for the three-year term.
Five of the 15 board seats are up for election each year on a rolling basis, to enable new people to stand.
Who can stand for election?
Only BDA members can stand for election to the board.
Anyone who was a member on 28 August 2019 can stand for the board and we welcome a wide range of people working in different fields of practice, across the UK.
You can be any age, or at any stage of your career to stand.
How can I stand for election?
The
seats up for election this year are:
- Eastern
- North West
- West Midlands
- Wales
- UK-wide (One of the two UK-wide seats is a by-election, the term for which will be until 31 January 2022).
You just need to
fill out your details on our online nomination form, including a short personal statement of why you are standing and gain the support of three other members.
