BBTS: Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026

To review the BBTS Transfusion Science Practice (TSP) course provision to ensure performance, currency and resilience.
Outcome: Course review now complete, Programme Examiner has completed updating the TSP book and this is now out for expert review. Also the BBTS EWG noted that a significant amount of work has been done towards distilling the Transfusion Science Practice modules into smaller, low cost, online courses. This would create an additional learning opportunity and also a new financial source for the Society.
Complete the Clinical Transfusion Practice (CTP) syllabus review, and project manage course introduction for 2024 or latest 2025, with end of course year review of performance, currency and resilience in 2026.
Outcome: Nearing completion, target set for safe introduction in 2026 with review at the end of 2027. Programme leads overseeing the final stages before we open for applications.
Revitalise processes that support the work of the Education Committee to maximise timely benefit to members.
Outcome: Completed, actions are now business as usual.
Update and publish a new Stem Cell Transfusion Practice course book to replace the 2018 version. Outcome: Book revised and rewritten, published in November 2024.
Review current education delivery platforms and online examination platforms to enhance delivery. Outcome: Updated external online course delivery platform in January 2026 and the Moodle online exam platform in May 2025.

To remain financially viable and secure. To review membership fees and manage our educational and conference financial resources.
Ensure that any new changes or projects have a sound business footing before engaging. Take steps to hold conference venue costs over the medium to long term.
Review costs within all aspects of BBTS, exploring potential efficiency savings and exploring other potential funding streams. Outcome: BBTS’s underlying operational running costs remain extremely consistent. Blood Services grant removal and CTP project costs to be covered by new CTP course. Membership fees are reviewed annually keeping pace with inflation and other costs. Projects and fees are reviewed to ensure costs are covered and realistic prices are in place. Medium term agreements were made with Glasgow and Harrogate conference centres to cap price increases within our capacity. Plans in place in 2026 to review new venues for increased value.

Undertake feasibility study for introduction of educational webinars, assessing subject matter, frequency, marketing, suitable platform and costs. Outcome: Webinars introduced in 2024 working with external partner to deliver high quality CPD content with ten year legacy access.
Ensure timely launch of a new BBTS website. Outcome: New BBTS website launched in 2025 with completely revised database and increased functionality. Consideration will be given to the feasibility of a BBTS app.
BBTS to continue to increase social media presence and membership emails. Outcome: Social media content and followers significantly increased since end of 2024 along with increase number of member emails.
Explore how the Transfusion Medicine journal content can be further enhanced to ensure relevance to our target membership, providing wide multi-disciplinary cross professional interest. Outcome: work in progress.

To support the work of the Annual Conference Committee (ACC) to ensure a best in class conference for delegates and sponsors. Outcome: ACC membership increased to support improved planning and quality sessions. Delegate fees for Blood Services attendees now aligned with member pricing.
Finalise the Hon. Secretary’s review of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to ensure there are clear aims and objectives that deliver benefit to members; Support and encourage input into Council from SIGs and committee chairs. Outcome: Initial review completed, Honorary Secretary role became vacant until March 2026, new review underway to improve impact of BBTS SIGs and Committees. All UK nations now have an increased or full representation on our committees.
Explore ways of encouraging younger members to play a fuller part in the activities of the BBTS. Outcome: Significant work has been done to form and launch a BBTS Early Professionals Committee, increasing representation with a regular session at the annual conference, introducing a BBTS mentorship programme to go live in 2027 and a new concessionary membership tier for early career professionals.

Add to membership grades for non-degree transfusion workers and also for young professionals.
Outcome: New concessionary membership level to be introduced late 2026 for better representation of early stage workers. Also a new membership tier to be introduced late 2026 for early career degree level professionals.
Work towards membership of the Science Council of the UK and explore feasibility of awarding Chartered Scientist level to the applicable BBTS members.
Outcome: Significant work carried out to successfully obtain acceptance of BBTS as a full member of the Science Council. Pursuit of Chartered Scientist level for some of our members was considered not financially feasible or sustainable.