Board Lead for Policy & Campaigns
BAA Board Director for Policies and Campaigns is an elected member of the BAA Board, responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction in the development, implementation, and communication of policies and campaigns that advance the interests of audiology and people with hearing loss. Working closely with the BAA President, Marketing & Communications Manager, and an advisory group, the Director can act as a spokesperson for the Academy, representing its members to government bodies, healthcare organisations, professional associations, and the wider public. The role involves evaluating evidence, preparing position statements, engaging stakeholders, and responding to emerging issues, ensuring BAA’s voice is influential in shaping audiology policy at local, national, and international levels. As part of the Board, the Director upholds governance, ethical standards, and the BAA Constitution, contributing to the Academy’s overall strategy and success.
BAA Policy & Campaigns Lead Objectives
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Support the next steps for the Adult Hearing Aid Statement, with particular focus on working alongside SR to evaluate and communicate research and considering both patient experience and public interest. Explore potential collaboration on shared areas of interest.
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Produce clear, evidence-based information for members on over-the-counter (OTC) hearing products.
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Contribute to national discussions on registration and regulation in audiology, ensuring BAA perspectives are represented and members are informed of developments.
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Work closely with the National Aural Care Strategy Group, supporting BAA’s endorsement of their position statement and providing support for BAA reps on the group.
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Collaborate with the BAA Executive Committee on emerging matters across the four nations, ensuring BAA’s responses are aligned and representative of its membership.
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Establish a structured and sustainable approach for how BAA develops and runs its campaigns, ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact.
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Provide input to the cross-portfolio Making the NHS Better initiative, recognising it as an area of shared interest, though not a prioritised objective within this portfolio.
About Laura
Laura is currently the Head of Audiology in NHS Tayside in Scotland. She has worked in adult clinical audiology since 2000 and has a clinical focus on hyperacusis, tinnitus, severe and profound hearing loss and person-centred care. Outside of her clinical role, Laura has worked on quality assurance through the BAA SQC, BSA Professional Guidance group and both the adult rehabilitation and tinnitus and hyperacusis special interest groups.
Laura’s Tayside team were the first department in Scotland to qualify for their IQIPs accreditation in 2024.