The BMA JMF (junior members forum) 2026 is here!

JMF is the perfect opportunity for newcomers and first-time attendees to take a significant step toward involvement. You don't need prior experience or an official title. All you need is the drive to improve working life for you and your colleagues.

This forum is your entry point to understanding the inner workings of your union. You’ll meet like-minded medical students and doctors from across the UK who share your commitment to improving our profession. The connections you make – whether during a coffee break or a workshop – often lead to future collaborations, stronger networks and lasting friendships.

If you’ve been experiencing burnout, struggling with contract disputes or unsafe staffing, you’ll leave JMF with knowledge of how others are fighting back – and, crucially, how you can too.

What to expect at the event

We’ve felt the energy. We’ve seen the commitment. Now, we’re ready to stop pushing against a wall and start gaining momentum. This year’s JMF is designed to take the passion, unity and fight you currently feel, and translate it into sustained, unstoppable change for our profession.

Over two packed days, you won’t just master the essential skills of unionism and workplace organising. You’ll walk away feeling profoundly empowered, equipped with a clear roadmap and the national network needed to make a difference where you work. Get ready to turn temporary wins into permanent transformation.

Gaining momentum: from action to acceleration

What does gaining momentum mean for us? The last few years have been intense for our profession, and we’ve grown by leaps and bounds. We’ve spent significant time and energy on building membership, running successful ballots, and achieving vital solidarity. But momentum isn't just about a ballot – it's about making sure that afterwards, we know exactly what our next moves are.

This conference is about giving you the strategic insight and practical tools to accelerate change, whether you’re tackling unsafe staffing on your rota or campaigning for long-term pay restoration. It's where you learn how to keep the engine running so that change isn’t a battle you win once, but a continuous force you command.

Building your action toolkit

Your two days at JMF are structured to provide you with a powerful, actionable toolkit that you can use immediately. You will get the opportunity to become registered workplace activists, with access to resources to help you. This is how we ensure every attendee leaves ready to contribute to our collective momentum.

Workshops for impact

Our workshops are designed for direct application, covering both local and national strategies.

– Gaining local momentum. This session is your masterclass in solving problems on the ground. We’ll cover essential skills like strategic communication, effective campaigning, lodging grievances, and navigating formal disputes. You’ll gain the practical know-how to advocate for yourself and your colleagues, helping to foster a more supportive, efficient, and less-chaotic work environment

– Gaining national momentum. This workshop zooms out, focusing on the broader strategy for our major campaigns such as full pay restoration, contract negotiations, and other key national issues. You’ll learn how local action feeds national success, giving you the insight and confidence to contribute to radical, profession-wide change.

Learning from the winners

Momentum begins with understanding what works. Our panel sessions bring together the leading voices in our movement.

– Driving change at a local level. Hear from doctors and union representatives who have successfully driven significant, concrete improvements in their own workplace, from negotiating better rota safety to addressing unsafe use of MAPs

– Championing change on a national scale. Learn from the individuals who have championed policies that led to radical improvements across the profession, giving you a deep understanding of the negotiating tactics and unionism principles that secure major victories.

Book now

At the BMA JMF, it's not all work. You’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge, but also with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that only comes from spending two days with passionate colleagues.

JMF 2026 is your chance to develop your skills, broaden your understanding of the challenges we face, and ultimately, actively shape our own future. Get ready to learn, connect and most importantly, ready to gain momentum!

Spaces at JMF always run out fast! If you want to secure your spot and ensure you are part of this vital movement, sign up as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. We can’t wait to see you there.

Alice Ogunji is chair of the JMF