Eligibility 

To take part in the statutory ballot, you must be: 

• A BMA member 
• Based in England 
• A SAS doctor holding a contract with an NHS employer, such as one using:  
  • 2021 specialty doctor T&Cs (terms and conditions) 
  • 2021 specialist doctor T&Cs 
  • 2008 specialty doctor T&Cs 
  • 2008 associate specialists T&Cs 
  • One of the pre-2008 T&Cs (1996 associate specialist doctors, 1999 staff grade, clinical assistant, hospital practitioner etc) 

Note this includes LEDs (locally employed doctors) using contracts that mirror national SAS terms and conditions, usually with a pay code starting with ‘M’ (e.g. MC03, MC42, MC47, MC70, MC71, MC75, MC76, MD02, ME11, MH02). On our membership system, LEDs that have been balloted are classified as Clinical Fellow (SAS), Non Standard Career Grades including Trust Doctorr, Senior Clinical Fellow (SAS) and Trust Grade (SAS). 

The following will not be able to vote in the statutory ballot:  

• Those holding only an honorary contract with an NHS employer  
• Those holding solely a Very Senior Manager contract  
• Locum consultants (however, you are still eligible to vote if you are expected to return to your SAS role even for one day of the mandate period, i.e. from 6 July 2026 to 5 July 2027 inclusive)
  
• Those working solely for a non-NHS employer, such as an agency, hospice, university or public health body (UKHSA or OHID)  
• SAS dentists who do not hold BMA membership  

Some, though not all, LEDs are included in the SAS remit. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please contact [email protected].

A small group of SAS dentists (with a GMC number) may have BMA membership, and they will be able to take part in our ballot. It is important to note, however, that many dentists are represented by the BDA (British Dental Association), who may decide to ballot their own members. For more information, see their website.