I hope I haven’t lost you at committee talk. I know governance isn’t everyone’s favourite subject, but there are good reasons to take an interest! A bit like knowing where your food comes from, it helps to understand how things work.
The MSC team have written a blog explaining it all, plus it’s also a great way to get to know the people on the committee a little better. It’s fairly long, but insightful, so grab a brew and a biscuit

The MSC is made up of four practitioner members and one lay member. They are appointed by the current Chair and a Governing Board (GB) member after a thorough recruitment and interview process. They meet four times a year to advise on and develop the features and benefits of BAcC membership, including promoting our profession to help attract new members.

Their focus is simple: making sure the BAcC genuinely meets the needs of practitioners at every stage of practice. That means looking at how support evolves, how it’s communicated and what keeps membership valuable, relevant and supportive.

A big part of their work is listening; they want to understand what attracts new members and what our existing community needs. The committee really value hearing directly from you about issues, challenges or clinic ’hot topics’ as this feedback actively shapes discussions and direction.

The MSC works closely with Membership Manager Tanja Raaste and her brilliant team, Lucia Misikova and Adam Lambe, who provide exceptional day-to-day support while also implementing new systems that everyone will benefit from soon.

Without members there is no BAcC, so attracting and retaining them is central to everything we do. The Membership Team and MSC play a vital role in that.

If you have comments, feedback or topics you’d like the committee to consider, you can contact Tony Todd, GB Practitioner Member and Chair of the MSC on t.todd@acupuncture.org.uk.

Do take a few minutes to read their bios and find out what makes them tick.

Tony Todd (Chair – GB Practitioner Member)
I have just been appointed Chair of the MSC. My experience includes practising and teaching acupuncture since 2000, primarily at ICOM, and have delivered CPD both independently and internationally. My work as an external examiner has given me valuable insight into professional standards, training expectations and the needs of new graduates entering the field.

Which BAcC resource or service have you found unexpectedly valuable in your professional work?
The most valuable aspect for me has been the breadth of the professional network and its role in public reassurance regarding training, expertise and safe, regulated practice.

Balquees Ali (Practitioner Member)
I qualified from NCA in 2009 and work in Huddersfield as a TCM acupuncturist. Alongside clinical practice, I am a qualified teacher, counsellor and clinical supervisor. Serving a second term on the MSC has deepened my appreciation of the scale of the work delivered by the BAcC team. The operational considerations, decision-making and behind-the-scenes processes that support members are both vast and often unseen.

Is there something the BAcC provides, that you didn’t realise you needed until you experienced it?
I didn’t realise the depth of support and advice provided by the BAcC to members when an allegation is made by an ex-patient. Unfortunately, I was in a situation where an allegation was made, it escalated to barrister stage, and the stress and anxiety was immense. I had begun to doubt myself and considered giving up my practice. However, the advice and support I was given, by both our insurers and BAcC, helped maintain my equilibrium and sense of self that I had followed safe practice protocols correctly.

Colette Assor (Practitioner Member)
With more than 26 years in clinical practice, my interests include women’s health, stress and the integration of acupuncture into mainstream healthcare. I joined the MSC over five years ago hoping to give back to the profession. Since then, I have become and a BAcC Fellow, engaged in professional recognition and in writing content to raise the profile of the BAcC and our work.

What aspect of BAcC support has had the greatest impact on your day-to-day practice?
The insurance provision has always been excellent – responsive and reassuring. Expert guidance on Safe Practice has also been instrumental for complex or emerging practice issues.

Emma Eaton (Practitioner Member)
I graduated from ICOM in 2016 and now I run a busy women’s health acupuncture clinic in Surrey and joined the MSC in September 2025. I bring a blend of clinical experience and a strategic background gained over 17 years in corporate roles overseeing people management. It’s inspiring to be part of a committee shaping how we attract and support members at this exciting stage in the BAcC’s journey.

Can you share a moment when you particularly felt supported or...

BAcC

Message History

Delivery option(s)