BAPEN is delighted to announce that Dr Jane Fletcher, currently serving as Professional Affairs Officer, has been appointed as the organisation’s next President Elect.
Jane will formally assume the role following BAPEN’s Annual Conference in November, becoming the first female President Elect in the organisation’s history. She will work alongside the current President, Dr Nick Thompson, for one year before beginning a three-year term as BAPEN President in November 2026.
On the appointment, Jane said:
“It’s an incredible honour to be chosen as BAPEN’s next President Elect. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and proud to be the first woman and first nurse to hold this position. I look forward to working with our members to advance nutritional care and continue building on the strong foundations laid by my predecessors.”
Reflecting on the transition, current President Dr Nick Thompson said:
“I’m thrilled to welcome Jane into the role. Jane’s commitment to BAPEN and her passion to drive the organisation forward has stood out for a long time. Jane has huge clinical experience across enteral and parenteral nutrition, she will be our first Consultant Nurse President and will bring great knowledge, skill and good sense to the role. BAPEN could not have chosen a better next leader, and I very much look forward to seeing the continued progress she will bring to the organisation.”
Jane is a Consultant Nurse for Nutrition and Intestinal Failure based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust. Early in her career she was a member of the National Nurses Nutrition Group (NNNG) Committee, where she co-authored the Competency Framework for Nutrition Nurse Specialists on behalf of the NNNG and first became involved with BAPEN Communication and Programmes Committees. Jane has been part of the BAPEN Executive Committee since 2022, and her current role as Professional Affairs Officer sees her liaising with the charity’s core groups as well as the wider industry.
Dr Roger Phillips and Phil Lyons who Co-chair the BAPEN Trustees, commented:
“Jane’s appointment marks an exciting and important moment for BAPEN. Her longstanding dedication to improving nutritional care, combined with her collaborative approach and deep understanding of our community, make her an exceptional choice for this leadership role. The Trustees are confident that under her guidance, BAPEN will continue to grow in influence and impact across the UK and beyond.”
Jane’s role of Professional Affairs Officer will become available following the BAPEN Conference on 11th – 12th November 2025. Further information on the role and how to apply will be shared in due course on the BAPEN website and social media channels.
