The British Academy of Audiology (BAA) has announced a number of changes to its Board of Directors following the 2026 Annual General Meeting, held during BAA’s 22nd Annual Conference in Liverpool.
Dr Saima Rajasingam begins her term of office as President, succeeding Claire Benton, who now takes up the role of Immediate Past President. Supporting Saima as Vice President is Laura Turton, Head of Audiology at NHS Tayside.
The BAA also welcomes four newly elected Board Directors: Dr Ruth Vickerstaff, Dr Bhavisha Parmar, Dr Melanie Ferguson and Lesley Peplow. Joining them on the Board for a second term of office are Dr Michelle Foster and Catherine Magee, who were successfully re-elected by members.
The appointments follow a record level of engagement in this year’s Board elections, with 20 nominations received from members across the profession, demonstrating the strength, diversity and enthusiasm within the audiology community.
The appointments mark the start of a renewed chapter for the Academy’s leadership. Working alongside Treasurer Keiran Joseph and Immediate Past President Claire Benton, President Dr Saima Rajasingam and Vice President Laura Turton will lead the organisation through a period of opportunity for the profession. Combining fresh perspectives with established experience, the executive team will build on the strong foundations laid by previous Boards while continuing to support members, advance professional standards and influence the future direction of audiology.
More about the new President Dr Saima Rajasingam
Dr Saima Rajasingam is Deputy Head of School (Resources & External Engagement) within the School of Psychology, Sport and Sensory Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University. Following a BSc (Hons) in Audiology at University College London, she completed a PhD in Auditory Perception at Aston University. An AHCS-registered Audiologist and HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, Saima has experience across the NHS, higher education and independent practice. Throughout her career she has championed education, workforce development and improving access to hearing healthcare.
Vice President Laura Turton
Laura Turton is Head of Audiology at NHS Tayside and has worked in adult clinical audiology since 2000. Her clinical interests include hyperacusis, tinnitus, severe and profound hearing loss and person-centred care. Under her leadership, NHS Tayside became the first audiology service in Scotland to achieve IQIPS accreditation in 2024.
Four new Board Directors
The BAA is delighted to welcome Dr Bhavisha Parmar, Dr Melanie Ferguson, Dr Ruth Vickerstaff and Lesley Peplow to the Board, bringing expertise spanning clinical practice, academia, research, service leadership, workforce development and quality improvement. Read more about the new directors here.
Thank You
The BAA would like to place on record its sincere thanks to outgoing President Claire Benton for her leadership, dedication and commitment over the past two years. The Academy also extends its heartfelt thanks to outgoing Board Directors Dr Sam Lear, Lauren Willis, Saira Hussain and Jason Smalley for their service and contribution to the organisation and profession.