Voting is now open for the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) Board Elections 2025.
All eligible voters have now been sent an email containing their unique voting link. This is your opportunity to help shape the leadership and direction of your professional body for the year ahead.
Four excellent candidates are standing for election, each bringing a wealth of experience, insight and commitment to advancing the audiology profession.
Your vote plays an important role in ensuring that the BAA continues to reflect the priorities and values of its members — supporting professional growth, strengthening our collective voice, and influencing the future of audiology.
The candidates, in alphabetical order, are:
- Ahmed, Umer
- Cartwright, Chris
- Guo, Ying
- Harrison, Gordon
Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 5th November 2025.
Members should have received their personal votes to link by email. If you have not received yours, please contact admin@baaudiology.org or call 01625 290046.
We encourage all members to take a few minutes to read the candidate profiles and cast their vote before the deadline.
Candidate details
Umer Ahmed
Job title: Barts Health NHS, Audiologist/Trainee Clinical Scientist
Why do you wish to join the BAA Board:
I believe I would make a candidate for the BAA Board as I would be able to represent and voice concerns that younger audiologists have such as new graduates or students in training because we are the future of audiology. There are many great people on the board however I feel there isn’t representation from the younger generation and new qualified audiologists. I don’t have all the clinical experience and knowledge like many of the board members do, but what I do bring is a voice for the younger generation and a passion to improve the audiology profession. I have been qualified for 3 years and I have seen some issues within the profession that I would like to voice and bring change. I attended the BAA last year and listened to many of the talks and raised questions and concerns with points that I didn’t agree with.
Skills and experience:
Since qualifying 3 years ago, I have split my time in the NHS and private sector working two jobs which has given me a unique experience. I have gone on to achieve post qualification skills such as Micro suction and become a clinical educator. I have also been involved in research and presented a discussion about over the counter hearing aids to my department as part of on-going CPD. My dedication to audiology is conveyed through my commitment to doing the STP as have recently started a new post as a trainee clinical scientist. I believe having me as a board member who is a trainee, would give a unique perspective and a voice for those new to the profession. My commitment to becoming a clinical scientist demonstrates that I am keen to generate ideas, create opportunity, push boundaries and make audiology a profession that entices and inspires others.
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Chris Cartwright
Job title: The Audiology Academy, Director of Audiology
Why do you wish to join the BAA Board:
Ever since I started Audiology back in 1981, I always wanted to share information with colleagues, and until recent years I felt that as a profession – we were not particularly good at peer support compared with other clinical medical professional groups – in fear of putting our head above the parapet of how we practice. Times are changing and we need to encourage colleagues to exchange ideas and move beyond “best practice” to more advanced practice. I hope to be able to contribute to this concept and would ask you to consider my application.
Skills and experience:
I originally started my career in the NHS and worked in a few Audiology departments around the country and eventually held a Head of service position for an Adult & Paediatric Service in South Staffordshire. However, I preferred clinical practice rather than managerial work and decided to specialise for 8 years in clients with Brain Injury & suspected Hearing Loss / Multi-Sensory impairment / Profound Learning Disabilities. I then worked in a number of roles over a 23 year period with Phonak including Key Projects, E-Learning Manager and part of the Professional Services Team: This provided an opportunity to engage with the NHS, Private sector, Education for the Deaf / HI and Universities. I am presently the Director of Audiology of a small, independent training Academy and attempt to provide courses of practical guidance – especially where it is lacking.
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Ying Guo
Job title: UCLH NHS FT, Head of Audiology
Why do you wish to join the BAA Board:
I am passionate about audiology and deeply committed to its advancement. Over the years, I’ve worked across multiple departments and settings, gaining both clinical and managerial experience. My international education and ongoing involvement in teaching at UCL have shaped my belief in the importance of sharing knowledge and supporting the next generation of audiologists. Leading four Audiology departments within my Trust has given me insight into the challenges and opportunities our profession faces. Personally, audiology has given me a sense of purpose and community, and I now wish to give back by contributing to the BAA’s strategic direction. I hope to enhance professional development pathways and provide opportunities for audiologists at all career stages. I want to support others who, like me, are driven by a love for audiology and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
Skills and experience:
I bring strong leadership experience and a strategic mindset that align well with the responsibilities of a BAA Board Director. Managing four Audiology departments within my Trust has equipped me with skills in governance, resource planning, and service development. I lead multidisciplinary teams, implement strategic changes, and foster a culture of innovation and high-quality care. My ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external partners, such as UCL, demonstrates my commitment to collaboration and professional growth. I am highly adaptable, analytical, and a confident communicator, consistently recognised in the feedback for my interpersonal skills. I understand the importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct, and I am prepared to contribute actively to Board meetings, committee work, and strategic planning. I believe my broad experience and dedication to audiology make me a strong candidate to support the BAA’s mission and governance.
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Gordon Harrison
Quite simply Audiology as a profession has been good to me and I want to make sure others have the same opportunity and longevity in a career that has so many different areas. I believe we will be faced with new challenges, new regulations and disruptors to our current practice. The BAA has to be central in shaping our future as clinicians and I would like to add my experience and knowledge as part of the board in achieving this.
Skills and experience:
I have been in Audiology for over 36 years and filled a number of roles both in the UK and globally which has provided me with insight and a global network of professionals that I believe will be beneficial in supporting the academy in protecting and developing our profession. This includes, clinical practice in the NHS, manufacturing, retail, business development and brand management. In my current role I have responsibility across multiple areas including, training and development, regulation, clinical performance and standards.