Skip to main content

Board Election 2025

The annual Board Election represents an important milestone in the governance of the Society. It provides members with the opportunity to exercise their vote in selecting those who will guide the strategic direction of the organisation and uphold its values on behalf of the membership.

Standing for election is a significant commitment, and we are grateful to all candidates who have put themselves forward to serve. Your participation in this process ensures that the Society remains member-led, accountable, and forward-looking.

With 5 seats available and 8 candidates standing (3 of whom for re-election), 2025 promises to be a significant election for the society and we’re delighted to share with you here, their personal statements.

Please take some time to read through the personal statements and be ready to cast your vote when the ballot opens - We hope as many of you as possible will take part in shaping the future of your Society.

If you have any questions regarding this year's election, please contact Zoe Perry, Operations Manager at zoe.perry@bshaa.org.

 

Ballot will be open to all Full Members, from October 1st through to October 31st.

Personal statements

Antonio Giulio Specchia

I am honoured to submit my nomination for the BSHAA Board of Directors, bringing over 15 years of combined clinical and academic expertise in audiology across international healthcare systems.

My journey spans frontline audiology practice in NHS partnerships and private settings to my current dual role as Skills Development Coordinator for Healthcare Science and Programme Lead for Audiology at University Centre South Devon. This unique position enables me to bridge clinical practice with education, developing next-generation hearing aid dispensers while maintaining active clinical work.

My experience with Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Bodies is extensive and ongoing. I maintain fellowships with both the Academy of Healthcare Science and Health and Care Professions Council, whilst actively collaborating with NHS England on national skills development initiatives and representing the voice of our profession into HCPC education committees. My work developing and implementing new healthcare qualifications has given me deep insight into a various regulatory frameworks and quality assurance processes.

I am passionate about joining the Board to advocate for excellence in hearing aid audiology practice whilst ensuring accessibility and innovation. My international perspective, having practiced in both Italian and UK healthcare systems, brings valuable comparative insights for service development.

I can contribute significantly through my expertise in curriculum development, professional standards, and workforce planning. My ongoing research on new healthcare models demonstrates my commitment to addressing evolving demographic challenges especially considering the new 10 Year Health Plan for England. With experience managing educational budgets, developing partnerships, and leading multi-disciplinary teams, I offer strategic thinking combined with practical implementation skills.

I am committed to advancing BSHAA's mission of promoting the highest standards in hearing aid audiology, ensuring our profession remains responsive to patient needs whilst maintaining rigorous professional excellence.

 

Darren Glancey

As a current BSHAA board member, I have had the privilege of directing both the Membership and Mediation working groups, two areas that I believe are central to BSHAA’s strength and future growth. I am now standing for re-election to continue the progress we’ve made—and to push even further.

Over the past term, I’ve worked hard to ensure that our membership offering remains relevant, valuable, and inclusive, reflecting the needs of both experienced practitioners and those new to the profession. I’ve listened to members across the UK and advocated for greater transparency, engagement, and real-world benefits.

Alongside this, I’ve led the development of mediation and support services that reflect our shared values of professionalism, fairness, and community. I believe passionately in resolving disputes constructively and protecting both our members and the reputation of the profession.

I bring a no-nonsense, hands-on approach—rooted in my own experience as an audiologist and business owner—and I’m committed to making sure BSHAA continues to lead from the front. If re-elected, I will continue to champion innovation, integrity, and the voice of every member.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

 

Darren Horne

Background

I have enjoyed my career in private Hearing Aid dispensing since qualifying 20+ years ago. During this time I have worked for both independent family run businesses and larger organisations.

I am passionate about supporting people to live well by using best technology solutions and working with customers to make informed choices. I have taken on centralised roles such as customer care manager, technical trainer, digital telehealth manager and Head of professional standards. Whilst in these roles it has always been important to me to stay in touch with clinic work, innovation development and customer support.

As Head of Professional Standards I have ownership over the implementation and monitoring of clinical governance, clinical, financial and CPD audits. I enjoy looking for continuous improvement opportunities and embedding best practice. This role has given me experience with, delivering and integrating various policies, safeguarding measures, HCPC regulatory requirements, CPD, product launches, inductions, clinical investigations, litigation, digital telehealth, complex audiological cases, quality measures and trialling new technologies.

Interest in joining the board

I feel my total experience across this profession gives me a broad and current understanding of the demands and opportunities facing HADs today. At this time in my career I feel I want to give something back to others and to support BSHAA in their ambition to keep HADs at the forefront of progressive ways of working.

How I believe I can contribute

I have been very fortunate to work across many functions of a hearing aid retailer. If you feel any of this experience could be put to good use to support the society and its members then I would be grateful of the experience of joining the Board. I do have capacity to contribute and the flexibility to accommodate meetings.

 

Jaspreet Bahra

For over 16 years, I’ve devoted my career to helping people hear better — not just through technology, but through genuine care. I started out in clinical audiology and quickly earned a reputation for combining technical expertise with empathy. In 2013, I was named both UK and European Audiologist of the Year — the youngest ever to receive these awards — in recognition of work that truly put patients first.

Since then, I’ve worked in a range of clinical settings, from established practices to launching and growing my own independent clinic, Your Hearing Clinic. Running my own practice has given me a unique perspective — balancing high-quality care with the realities of business, and understanding the challenges faced by both independents and larger providers.

I’m passionate about the future of audiology in the UK. I believe BSHAA has a vital role in setting the standard for excellence, embracing innovation, and making sure the public understands the true value of hearing care.

On the Board, I would focus on:

• Championing patient-first care so we never lose the personal touch.

• Encouraging professional growth through mentoring and development.

• Driving innovation to keep our profession at the cutting edge.

• Representing independent voices so every member feels heard.

I’m driven and committed to helping BSHAA lead our profession into its next chapter. Serving on the Board would be an honour — and a chance to give back to the profession that’s given me so much.

 

Laura Ewen

As Head of Audiology at Hidden Hearing, I am committed to advancing hearing care and ensuring our profession remains at the forefront of clinical excellence and innovation. I am standing for election to the BSHAA Board to contribute my leadership experience and deep commitment to patient-centred care.

My Honours degree in Audiology provided the foundation and love for this profession, which has only deepened as my career has developed. With nearing two decades in the world of audiology, I’ve led multidisciplinary teams, implemented service improvements, and championed professional development, always with a focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Over the years, my roles as a hearing aid dispenser, senior management and currently Head of Audiology, have given me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities within our profession.

I believe we are incredibly lucky to work in a profession with the opportunity to change lives through better hearing. This privilege drives my dedication and desire to contribute more widely to its future.

I truly believe BSHAA plays a vital role in shaping the future of audiology, and I am eager to help steer that direction—especially as we navigate evolving technologies, regulatory changes, and increasing public awareness of hearing health. I am committed to helping the Society remain dynamic, forward-thinking, and responsive to supporting the needs of its members and advancing the profession.

I believe I can contribute to the Society’s work by bringing strategic leadership, collaborative thinking, and advocating to ensure audiologists are empowered, supported, and recognised for the life-changing work they do every day. I want our collective voice to be heard in national conversations about hearing health.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be honoured to serve on the Board and contribute to a vibrant future for BSHAA and our profession.

 

Lynne Weatherill

When I first joined BSHAA board I did so with the intention to be present in the sector, to represent members from all corners and work on their behalf to see real change. BSHAA has made real strides over the last 3 years to be that voice and to be present for its members, and I am glad to have been part of that. 

As a HAD I work daily to help people on their journey and as a board member I want to help others be that support too. Stepping into the role of Director of Education has allowed me to be, I believe, part of that latter intention. Should I be re-elected I will continue to work hard for our members.  

 

Natasha Fitt

I’ve spent my career helping people hear better, from newborns to the most complex adult cases, and I’m just as passionate about helping our profession be heard loud and clear!

Over the years, I’ve worked in the NHS, independent retail, and wholesale Audiology, as a Clinician and Clinical Trainer. This breadth of experience gives me a rare perspective on our profession; from the intricacies of complex rehabilitation to the business strategies that keep services thriving.

In my current role as Senior Audiology Support & Training Manager at Sonova, I lead a national team delivering clinical and product training. My focus is on giving clinicians the confidence and knowledge they need to provide the best care possible, while keeping up with the latest technology. I’ve seen firsthand how supporting people to grow in their roles makes a real difference for patients and the profession as a whole.

If elected to the BSHAA Board, I’ll bring my energy, clinical know-how, and commitment to championing independent hearing care.

I would endeavour to:

·Promote best practice and uphold the highest professional standards.

·Support members in navigating advances in hearing aid technology.

·Raise public awareness of hearing health and the value of professional care.

·Encourage collaboration, mentoring, and continuous learning within Audiology.

I believe BSHAA’s role as the voice of our profession has never been more important. By combining rigorous standards with innovation, we can enhance patient outcomes and inspire the next generation of hearing care professionals.

I would be honoured to serve on the Board and work with fellow members to advance our shared mission: delivering the very best in hearing care, today and into the future.

 

Robert Donnan

It has been a real privilege to serve BSHAA as President and now as Immediate Past President. I’m standing again for election so I can continue to play an active part in supporting our members and helping our Society grow.

As an independent hearing care provider myself, I know the realities of running a business and the pressures many of us face day to day. I want to make sure that those working in independent practice always have a strong voice at the table. At the same time, I believe BSHAA has a bigger role to play in raising standards across our profession, supporting members with the challenges ahead, and making sure we’re ready for the opportunities too.

Over the years, I’ve really valued working alongside colleagues on Council who care deeply about our Society. Together we’ve achieved a lot, but there’s still plenty more to do, and I’d like to continue contributing my experience and perspective.

I am passionate about inclusivity and people-focused care. My work with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) projects keeps me grounded in why our work matters and making a difference in people’s lives.

I’d be honoured to keep serving our members and to help BSHAA move forward with confidence.