BDA board FAQs

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.

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 in our constitution summary.

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.

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.

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.