Shape the future of shooting with BASC

The Wildfowlers’ Association for Great Britain and Ireland became BASC in 1981. The new name reflected its broader role in protecting and promoting shooting. Many of BASC’s early council members came from wildfowling clubs. Their experience and dedication helped shape the organisation we know today.

BASC still follows the structure of a wildfowling club. It has a democratic framework, elected council members and an annual general meeting. Wildfowlers continue to serve on council, alongside members from across the shooting world. Women and girls now make up 7.5% of BASC’s membership, with two female council members currently elected.

Although members benefit personally from joining BASC, something deeper connects the 150,000-strong community. Members share a commitment to seeing shooting thrive and ensuring society recognises its conservation value.

What skills do council members bring?

Council members bring a broad range of skills from inside and outside the shooting sector. Their profiles are available on the BASC website. But what is involved in standing for election?

If you want to stand in the 2026 BASC council elections, you must submit your nomination to the chief executive by 31 December 2025. Two national seats are open – one for England and one for Wales. Each nomination must include the candidate, a proposer and a seconder. All must be BASC members eligible to vote.

Once voting opens, BASC will publish your photograph and personal statement online. A summary will also appear in Shooting and Conservation magazine.

Understanding the election process

The election concludes at the BASC AGM on 28 May 2026, when the results are announced. Successful candidates serve a five-year term and may stand for two terms in total.

If elected, prepare for a busy but rewarding first year. Council members support one another and staff offer guidance throughout.

What Does the BASC council do?

Council acts as BASC’s board. It sets the association’s strategy and policy. The chief executive and staff handle operational work. However, council carries the ultimate responsibility for BASC’s direction and good governance.

As a council member, you help ensure BASC has the strategy and resources it needs. You will make tough decisions, act with integrity and work as part of a team.

Members attend around eight daytime meetings each year. They also prepare, read and make decisions between meetings. Council members may join additional committees or working groups.

Many new council members are surprised by the scale of BASC’s work. The volume of information can feel overwhelming at first. Yet most soon settle in. The years pass quickly, and many finish their time on council with pride in what they achieved.

How to submit your nomination

For full guidance on submitting your nomination, visit the BASC Council Elections and AGM page on the BASC website. You can also search “BASC council elections” on the site.

About the author

Dr Conor O’Gorman is BASC’s head of policy and campaigns. He has more than 25 years of experience in conservation and land management, and a strong interest in wild grey partridges.
Contact: conor.ogorman@basc.org.uk