The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) is a not-for-profit company focused on acupuncture education in the UK, and formally constituted through the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. The company is responsible for the accreditation of the pre-registration acupuncture education courses and for implementing the standards set by the Board and by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

The BAAB fosters and monitors high educational and professional standards for accredited acupuncture course providers, so that the general public can be assured that graduates from BAAB-accredited programmes are knowledgeable, reflective, competent and safe acupuncture practitioners. The focus of the Board’s work is the accreditation of higher education programmes leading to a professional qualification in acupuncture on behalf of the BAcC. Graduates from BAAB-accredited courses are eligible for membership of the BAcC.

The transparent, rigorous and comprehensive accreditation processes of the BAAB are gained through seeking feedback from partner organisations, maintaining parity with higher education and through ongoing self-critical review. The accreditation of course providers is an important way in which its profession can demonstrate its maturity, its capacity for effective self-regulation and its public accountability. BAAB accreditation is achieved by meeting the BAcC Standards of Education for Acupuncture and the BAAB Standards of Education and Training for Acupuncture Programmes (SETAP). 

The Board is a not-for-profit company focusing on acupuncture education in the UK. It meets to discuss policy issues, receive reports and to make accreditation decisions.

Responsibilities of the appointed Chair will include:

• Chairing meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee
• Ensuring the Company operates according to the Memorandum and Articles of Association as detailed in the Composition, Objects, Powers and Procedures of the Company and in the Companies Act 2006
• Ensuring the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board Handbook includes the principles and procedures of acupuncture accreditation as defined in the Standards of Training and Education for Acupuncture Programmes (SETAP) and is maintained and updated as required
• Upholding the Principles of Public Life (The Nolan Principles) and adhering to the Code of Conduct, Conflicts of Interest and Good Practice in the Management of Meetings policies
• Preparing the Annual Report to be received at the Annual General Meeting
• Maintaining a good working relationship with the British Acupuncture Council whilst respecting the independence of both organisations
• Preparing for meetings of the Company and making sure accurate records are made of all meetings held, and appropriate follow up action taken, including correspondence with the course providers and signing Letters and Certificates of Accreditation
• Working closely with the Chair of the Accreditation Committee, whilst respecting the separation of the detailed accreditation work of the Committee. This includes supporting both employed and contracted staff and assisting with performance reviews and development as required
• Ensuring the Lead Accreditation Officer brings any emerging policy issues to the attention of the Accreditation Committee and the Board of Directors, and that appropriate papers are prepared for relevant consideration and decision, particularly about issues in acupuncture and higher education
• Ensuring the Company works effectively and efficiently, and that finance is monitored frequently to maintain financial probity in cooperation with the Treasurer, the Company Executive Secretary and Lead Accreditation Officer
• Overseeing responsibility, with the Board of Directors, for all employed staff, contractors and people working for the Company, to ensure that they are supported to undertake their respective functions, are treated with respect, and perform to the best of their ability

As the current Chair is stepping down, The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board is looking to appoint a new Chair who has senior-level experience in public and corporate affairs. Ideally, candidates will have experience of public engagement and representing communities within either public, commercial, regulatory, or charitable sectors.

This individual should bring experience of influencing stakeholders across business and government. They will play an ambassadorial role in representing the Board and expanding its network, profile and impact. It is desired that candidates bring a background in senior management in higher education particularly within health professions, alongside an interest in the acupuncture profession.

Candidates will be able to demonstrate a personal commitment to the organisation’s mission, vision and values and to offer the time and dedication to contribute effectively at meetings, informally, and as an ambassador for the Board and its mission.

The Charity is open to receiving applications from those seeking their first Chair role, as long as they have prior experience chairing board committees. 

Professor Mike Saks, Chair
Jasmine Uddin, Vice Chair
Janice Booth

Jonathan Pledger

Dr Richard Giordano

Dan TanBarbara Ross

Dr Mike Cummings

Zofia Dymitr

The role is remunerated and payment of expenses including travel from home are reimbursed. The Board meets four times a year. The first half of the meeting is about policy issues and is open to observers. However, in the second half of the meeting the Board considers confidential reports about teaching institutions, which is closed to observers. Board meetings will follow a hybrid model of in-person meetings in London and virtual online meetings. Beyond those meetings, the new Chair is expected to be available for ad hoc engagement with the executive team as well as attending specific events and occasions. The length of the appointment is for three years, subject to renewal upon mutual agreement. Candidates should be UK-based.  

UK London

The organisation will view the applications without edits. We therefore advise applicants to avoid using ‘please call me to discuss further’ in your application as it may restrict your chances of progressing to the next round.

Shortlist interviews are planned to take place on Thursday, 13th of October 2022.

This organisation has requested that candidates do not contact them directly. Members who do not respect this may risk having their membership terminated.