The forum provides a unique opportunity to get involved with the BMA and network with fellow junior members from all branches of practice, as well as senior BMA leaders from all branches of practice. Over the course of the weekend, you will feel empowered to go forward and make meaningful change on both a local and national level.

What you will learn

We will start from the basics − learning about our rights at work, how to challenge our employers and how to stick up for colleagues. We will hear from BMA reps who have been involved in running local campaigns and disputes, and learn about how the BMA can support you to lead a local campaign or dispute in your workplace or medical school.

We will hear from experienced trade unionists and learn how to combat union busting and practice doing trade union negotiations. We will also be providing guidance and support for attendees who wish to become accredited BMA trade union representatives.

What to expect from this event

Themes explored over the weekend will include:

• how to tackle common challenges faced in work, advocate for your rights and secure personal wins
• how to win change at a local level – thinking about the importance of mobilising, negotiating and campaigning
• how to work with pre-existing trade union structures such as LNCs (local negotiating committees) and divisions and equivalent GP structures such as LMCs (local medical committees)
• how to make change on a national level.

Key speakers

Speakers will be confirmed in early 2025.

Agenda

Agenda will be published in February 2025.

Who can attend?

The conference is open to BMA members from all parts of the profession. Whether you are a medical student, GP, consultant or resident doctor, as long as you are within 12 years of provisional registration or 11 years of full registration with the GMC, the conference is open to you.

Expenses and accommodation

Your reasonable travel expenses will be met by the BMA and accommodation at a London hotel will be provided for all attendees that need it on Saturday, 29 March. A formal conference dinner is held on Saturday evening.  No reimbursement for alternative dinner or accommodation arrangements will be made.

For those who wish to travel on Friday 28 March to ensure a prompt arrival to the conference, accommodation will only be provided if you would need to leave your home before 6.30am to make the start of the event. This is in line with the BMA’s committee expense policy.  

Lunch will be provided for all attendees on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March. No reimbursement for alternative lunch arrangements will be made.

Child and dependent care facilities

Subject to demand, child and dependent care facilities will be available during the conference, but this must be booked in advance. Please indicate on the booking form if you would like further information regarding this.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding travel expenses, childcare facilities, or queries regarding the conference format, please contact the organiser.