The Joint Audiology Leadership Group (JALG) has formally agreed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Terms of Reference (ToR), marking an important milestone in strengthening collaboration across the UK audiology profession. The documents establish a shared framework for joint working between the British Academy of Audiology (BAA), the British Society of Audiology (BSA), the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) and the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP).
The agreed framework sets out how the four organisations will work together on matters of shared strategic importance while retaining their individual identities, governance and independence. It also provides a clear structure for collaborative work in areas including professional standards, education and workforce development, research, policy, public engagement and responses to issues affecting hearing and balance services across the UK.
During its latest meeting, JALG also continued discussions on several strategic priorities, including the ongoing development of a future College of Audiology, collaborative quality improvement work, a joint response to the National Community Hearing Association’s quality document, and regulatory issues affecting the profession. Members also agreed to raise concerns with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regarding delays in the Fitness to Practise process.
The group is currently progressing a number of collaborative workstreams, including the development of a co-badged “What Good Looks Like” quality document for adult audiology pathways. Subject to consultation, member engagement is expected to begin later this year.
JALG was established to strengthen the collective voice of the audiology profession and provide coordinated leadership on issues that benefit patients, professionals and services across the UK. The four organisations remain committed to working together where a unified approach can achieve greater impact than acting independently.