Join our Board of Trustees

For more than 140 years, the BDA Benevolent Fund has supported members of the dental community and their families through financial assistance, wellbeing support, and practical guidance during times of hardship. Today, our beneficiaries include dentists, dental students, refugee and asylum seeker dentists, and their dependants across the UK.

We are seeking two new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of the Charity as we deliver our 2026–2030 strategy.

As a Trustee, you will play an important role in ensuring the Charity remains effective, sustainable, and responsive to the changing needs of the dental community.

You will contribute to strategic decision-making, provide oversight and governance, and help us continue supporting those who need us most.

Who are we looking for?

Following a review of the Board’s composition, we are seeking individuals who can bring new perspectives, experiences, and expertise to support the Charity’s continued development and delivery of its strategy.

We welcome applications from people with a broad range of professional, voluntary, and lived experiences. Whether this would be your first Trustee role or you already have Board experience, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the dental profession and wider society. We particularly welcome applications from people who are currently underrepresented within our governance structures, including:
• People from global majority backgrounds
• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Non-dentists
• Dental students and early-career professionals
• People with lived experience of financial hardship
• Individuals living or working in Wales, Scotland, or regions currently underrepresented on our Board

Why become a Trustee?

This is an opportunity to:

Make a meaningful difference to members of the dental community facing financial hardship or wellbeing challenges
Help shape the future direction of a long-established charity
Develop your leadership, governance, and strategic skills
Gain valuable experience within the charity sector
Work alongside a committed and supportive Board and staff team

A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing training will be provided.

Time commitment

Trustees are elected for a three-year term. The Board meets quarterly, primarily online, and Trustees are expected to participate in at least one Board subgroup. Additional meetings, strategy sessions and events may take place throughout the year.

Trustee positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be reimbursed in accordance with the Charity’s Expenses Policy.

Our future

Over the coming years, Trustees will help oversee the delivery of our strategic priorities, including:

Raising awareness of the Charity across the dental profession
Improving accessibility to support and services
Strengthening partnerships and ambassador networks
Increasing engagement with underrepresented groups
Progressing incorporation and strengthening governance arrangements
Diversifying income streams and ensuring long-term sustainability
Enhancing wellbeing and financial resilience support for beneficiaries

How to apply

To apply, please submit a CV and a supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and the skills and experience you would bring to the Board (no more than 2 A4 pages) and send it via email to [email protected].

Deadline for Applications

Applications close at 12 pm on Monday, 13 July 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview on 21 July. Successful candidates will be proposed for election by the Charity’s members at the Annual General Meeting on 2 September 2026.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch with Laura Hannon, Chief Executive, via [email protected]

We believe that a diverse Board leads to better decision-making and stronger governance. If you are excited by our mission and believe you can contribute to our work, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every criterion listed above.

This is an opportunity to use your skills, experience, and perspective to support members of the dental community facing some of the most challenging periods of their lives. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or considering your first Board role, we would love to hear from you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Trustee Role Description

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