Become an elected representative

Get involved in the BMA by standing as an elected representative. You’ll get the opportunity to meet colleagues from across the UK and stand up for something that might affect your workplace or the profession generally.
Location: UK
Audience: All doctors
Updated: Tuesday 14 October 2025
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How can I get involved?

You can get involved in a number of ways as a BMA representative:

  • represent doctors at your place of work. There are three ways to get involved: become an LNC rep, a workplace activist, or an active member. Find out more
  • represent doctors at a regional or national level. Regional and national councils operate across the UK, formulating policy and ensuring it is implemented.
  • take part in UK-wide policy and negotiations. Our branch of practice committees represent the views of doctors across the UK to governments, national assemblies and medico-political bodies including royal colleges and educational bodies. Contact your committee

Any doctor who works or lives in the United Kingdom can stand for election. There aren't any prerequisite skills or qualities that you'll need to get involved, as the BMA provides training and support for representatives.

 

How much time do I have to commit?

If you are involved in a committee, your commitment will vary depending on the role you stand for and the frequency of committee meetings. However, outside of meetings you will often be the main point of contact for members, sharing BMA information, feeding back member concerns, and advocating on behalf of BMA members. Full training will be provided and to some extent the time taken to undertake the role is flexible and will depend on your level of involvement in any issues, as well as the time and commitment you are able to offer. 

All accredited reps are legally entitled to paid time off to undertake their BMA Trade Union Duties, this includes attending and preparing for meetings, as well as other rep duties. Your employer will have a local trade union recognition and facilities agreement which will include specific local provisions for paid time off and facilities. Your BMA officer can also support you with accessing appropriate paid time off for training and duties.

Learn more about reps training and paid time off

 

The BMA as a trade union explained for representatives

This informative video provides an overview of what trade unionism is, the part the BMA plays and the role that you play as a BMA representative.