Council Lead for Professional Culture and Fairness (working title)

Help shape the future culture of Trauma & Orthopaedics

The British Orthopaedic Association believes that every member should have a fair merit-based opportunity to contribute, develop and belong throughout their career. We are committed to fostering a respectful and supportive professional culture promoting transparent merit-based access to opportunities addressing unfair barriers to participation or progress.

We are seeking a committed BOA member to join Council as the Council Lead for Professional Culture and Fairness (working title).

This role replaces the previous Council Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), reflecting an opportunity to refresh both the Association's strategy and its approach. As our current EDI strategy reaches the end of its cycle, we are looking to develop a broader, forward-looking programme that continues our commitment to equality, inclusion and tackling discrimination, while placing greater emphasis on professional culture, fairness, belonging and the experience of all BOA members.

We are intentionally seeking someone who will help shape both the remit of this role and the next iteration of the BOA's strategy. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of this work, ensuring it is evidence-informed, relevant and meaningful for the whole orthopaedic community.

The postholder will lead the development of this renewed strategic programme, working to foster a positive professional culture in which all members feel valued, heard and able to thrive, regardless of career stage, background, geography or professional role.

Working closely with Council, the Executive, committees and member networks, the Council Lead will build on the Association's previous EDI work while helping to develop a refreshed vision that reflects the evolving needs of the profession and the BOA's strategic priorities.

Appointment

The postholder will serve as an Ex-officio member of BOA Council.

Applicants must:

  • be a current BOA member;
  • be in active clinical practice; and
  • be able to commit to the responsibilities of the role.

We welcome applications from individuals with a genuine interest in organisational culture, fairness, member engagement and professional leadership.

The role is open to members at all career stages, but applicants will need to be able to commit to attending Council meetings, leading the delivery of a session at Congress and supporting or participating in ad hoc meetings and initiatives

The role includes:

  • attendance at the four annual BOA Council meetings (normally held on Wednesdays in February, April, October and December);
  • leading the annual Professional Culture, Fairness and Belonging session at BOA Congress;
  • working with Council, committees and member groups to develop and deliver initiatives throughout the year; and
  • participation in occasional additional meetings as required.

Applicants are encouraged to seek support from their employing organisation to undertake the role. The duties are expected to fall within those normally supported by the NHS. The position is honorary and carries no remuneration or sessional reimbursement.

Term of Office

Three years, with the opportunity to stand for a further three-year term (maximum six years).

Role responsibilities

The Council Lead will:

  • Lead the development and delivery of the BOA's work on professional culture and fairness.
  • Help shape the future direction of this area of work, advising Council on priorities, language and practical initiatives that support the Association's strategic aims.
  • Promote fair and merit-based access to opportunities, transparent decision-making and inclusive participation across BOA activities.
  • Help foster respectful, safe professional cultures that support high-quality patient care and positive working environments.
  • Promote a professional culture where concerns can be raised and discussed without fear of unfair treatment or detriment
  • Use evidence to identify barriers to participation, progression or member experience, recommending targeted action where appropriate.
  • Produce an annual work plan agreed with council
  • Ensure that equality, anti-discrimination and inclusion remain integral to the BOA's work while broadening the Association's focus to fairness for all members.
  • Work collaboratively with BOA committees, member representatives and external organisations to share good practice and influence positive change across Trauma & Orthopaedics.
  • Lead and coordinate the BOA Congress session on Professional Culture, Fairness and Belonging.
  • Support the development of meaningful measures of member experience, engagement and belonging.
  • Develop recommendations based on relevant data and member feedback
  • Produce an annual report on progress and member experience
  • Champion a culture in which every member feels respected, listened to and able to contribute.

Who should apply?

We are looking for someone who is committed to improving the culture of our profession and who can bring strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and a practical approach to organisational change.

You may already have experience in equality, diversity and inclusion, organisational culture, education, leadership, workforce development or quality improvement. Most importantly, you will be committed to helping the BOA become an organisation where fairness, respect and belonging are experienced by every member, while ensuring that evidence continues to inform action where particular groups face demonstrable disadvantage.

Application process

Appointment will be by competitive interview. Applications, in the form of a covering letter and a brief CV, should be submitted by email to: [email protected]. Applicants are also welcome to contact the President to discuss. Deadline for applications is: 11th October 2026 and interviews will be held: 17th November 2026