The BSG is introducing an important change to the way we select our future President. From 2026, members will have the opportunity to vote for the BSG President-Elect as part of a new pilot election process designed to increase transparency, strengthen governance, and enhance member engagement.

This marks a significant step forward in how the BSG involves its membership in shaping the future leadership of the Society.

What’s changing?

Until now, the President-Elect has been appointed through an internal selection process. Following member feedback and as part of our Governance Framework review, we will pilot a new model which will involve a nomination and assessment process to ensure all candidates meet the required leadership, governance and professional standards, including a formal vote undertaken by all eligible members to choose the next President-Elect from a shortlist of suitable candidates. This change aims to make the process more open, fair, and participatory, while maintaining appropriate safeguards for leadership roles that carry strategic responsibility.

Why are we making this change?

Members have told us that they want a greater voice in how the BSG is led, and we are keen to give them a direct voice in shaping the future leadership of the Society. The Board of Trustees has also committed to improving transparency and aligning our processes with good governance standards. This new approach balances democracy as we are giving members a decisive voice, rigour and suitability checks which ensure that candidates have the experience, integrity, and values required for the role, as well as transparency which provides confidence that the process is fair and robust.

How will the new process work?

A newly established nominations committee comprising of two Lay Trustees (one to act as Chair), two Elected Councillors (selected by the Elected Councillors), the Chief Executive Officer, and two Executive members (excluding the President and any Executive member standing for election; nominees to be agreed by the Executive). Their responsibilities include:

• Reviewing nominations
• Assessing eligibility
• Interviewing candidates
• Confirming the final list for the ballot

Election timeline

To support informed voting, shortlisted candidates will each provide a short video presentation responding to questions submitted by members through their elected councillors.

What do I need to do?

Eligible members have been emailed by Civica Election Services with details on the nomination process. If you are eligible for nomination but have not received an email from Civica, please contact Stuart Sheldon ([email protected]) or Lucy Cope ([email protected]), who will be able to assist and resolve the issue.

What will the nomination form ask for?

Eligible candidates will have to provide: 

• A personal statement
• A short CV (limited to one page)
• Responses to set questions focusing on leadership experience, governance understanding, and strategic aims for the BSG
• A current photograph
• A completed Declaration of Interests form
• A signed commitment to adhere to the Election Code of Conduct
• A letter of support from the candidates’ employing organisations
• Confirmation of professional good standing by the candidate’s Responsible Officer, Medical Director, Nursing Director (or equivalent)
• Confirmation that they are not currently the subject of any disciplinary or professional conduct investigation
• Declaration that they are not subject to any significant civil proceedings or criminal convictions, except for those that are considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Any past matters that have been fully resolved by a professional regulator will not ordinarily preclude a candidate from standing to serve as President-Elect / President
• Endorsement from a minimum of five current BSG members

Candidate responses provided as part of the nomination process will be shared with the Nominations Committee only and will not be circulated more widely. Endorser details will be used for verification purposes only and will not be shared with the Nominations Committee or published.

How can I vote?

Voting will be conducted electronically by Civica Election Services, an independent specialist organisation that ensures integrity, confidentiality and fairness. All eligible members will receive:

• An email invitation with a secure voting link
• Candidate information and videos
• Clear instructions on how to cast your vote

Voting will remain open for a defined period in spring 2026.

Resources

How will the pilot be evaluated?

After the election, the nominations committee will evaluate:

• Member turnout
• Candidate diversity and engagement
• Member experience and feedback
• The effectiveness of the positive campaigning and governance framework

A report will be presented to the Board of Trustees, who will decide on the long-term future of the election process.