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BDA elections 2023

The BDA is run by dentists for dentists. Elections give you the chance to get involved and help set the direction of travel.

Five seats on the BDA’s board are up now up for election, with new representatives taking their seats in January 2024.


The seats available are:


  • England
    • Eastern
    • North West
    • West Midlands
  • Wales
  • UK wide.
All full BDA members (not students) are eligible to nominate themselves for a seat if they have been a member since 22 September 2022. You can nominate yourself for the relevant regional seat, and/or for the UK wide seat. A map showing the regions covered by each seat can be found here.

The board has overall responsibility for the control and direction of the policy and affairs of the BDA and its members are the directors of the Association. It does not however negotiate directly with the NHS regarding contracts and pay, this is undertaken by standing committees.

The timetable for these elections is:

22 September: Nominations open

23 October: Nominations close

Ballot mailings will begin approximately three weeks after the close of nominations with results declared in December.

1 January: Successful candidates commence their three-year term.

Frequently asked questions

What is the board?

The BDA Board, also known as the Principal Executive Committee or 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 statutory requirements of the role. 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 can be found here


Applicants should be aware that the board does not negotiate directly with government or the NHS, rather it provides the resources to enable the various craft committees of the Association to do so.


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 publicly 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. 


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 22 September 2022 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 do I stand for election?

The seats up for election this year are:
  • Eastern
  • North West
  • West Midlands
  • Wales
  • UK wide.
You just need to fill out your details on our online nomination form and provide five short answers to questions around your aims for the role and your skills and experience.


 


We hope we've answered your question/s, if not please get in touch via elections@bda.org or by calling 0207 563 4141.