BAOT Council election 2025
Council election
Earlier this year, we opened nominations for BAOT Council member elections. Council members are essential to our success. They provide leadership needed to drive forward our organisations so we can deliver for our members, the profession and public.
This year, two positions were open for election:
- Chair of Council
- Council member, Wales
Following interest in both positions, we received only one nomination for each role. The election is therefore uncontested and there will be no election ballot of members. These candidates will be appointed in line with our Articles and Council Rules and we’ll formally announce the outcome at the Annual General Meeting on 17 June 2025.
Read more about the Annual General Meeting
How are members elected to Council positions?
Council elections are by a postal ballot of all BAOT members in good standing. The independent scrutineer for the ballot, appointed in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, will be Civica Election Services. Election results will be announced at the AGM in June 2025.
If only one suitable candidate is put forward for a role there will be no ballot of members, and they will be appointed as an uncontested candidate. Only members in Wales are eligible to vote in the ballot for Council member, Wales.
Why become a Council member?
Joining Council is a demanding but rewarding volunteer role
Council members are essential to our success. They provide the leadership needed to drive forward our organisation to deliver on our vision and strategy for our members, the profession and the public. They represent and champion the organisation and our profession.
Elected Council members of BAOT are directors of the company. They are also appointed as a director and trustee of RCOT. With fellow Council members and trustees, they lead how the organisations are run and are responsible for delivering for both our members and meeting RCOT’s public benefit requirements. Find out more about Council.
Council member's roles and responsibilities
Council members shape the future of our organisation and profession. In these essential leadership roles, they:
- have the opportunity to learn about business management and professional body administration
- debate issues, consider risks and help make decisions that influence our organisation and profession
- hold the management team to account to ensure our plans and activity are impactful and effective
- make sure we’re complying with our governing documents and the law
- act in the organisations’ best interests and with reasonable skill and care
- make sure organisational resources are managed effectively
- be accountable to members, regulators and other stakeholders for the performance of the organisation
- act as a ‘critical friend’ to management. Who can stand for Council elections?
Anyone who thinks they have the skills and experience to make a difference can consider standing for Council. This gives our membership genuine choice in who represents them. We value the diversity of our membership and welcome broad perspectives, skills and experiences. We’re particularly interested in hearing from members who come from under-represented groups. Some Council positions have specific requirements.
Time commitments as Council members?
Being a member of Council is a demanding role. You’ll need to attend:
- four one-day Council meetings a year predominantly in London
- a development/strategy day
- any extra-ordinary Council meetings that are required, these will generally be 1–2-hour virtual meetings
- BAOT Annual General Meeting
- RCOT Annual Conference
- you’ll also be asked to read a large number of documents before each Council meeting, and you’ll receive emails to respond to within a reasonable deadline outside of these meetings too
- due to the time commitments required away from work, we recommend any prospective nominees seek the support of their managers in advance of completing a nomination as these positions require time away from work which they’ll need to be aware of.