Elections 2025: Dr Anindita Sarkar

Applying for the role of Elected Trustee offers an opportunity to leverage my extensive background in psychology, leadership, and advocacy to further the mission of the society.

My experience spans over two decades, serving in various capacities within the NHS and local authority environments, and as a consultant clinical psychologist, I have built a career focused on enhancing the delivery and accessibility of mental health services.

This aligns seamlessly with the strategic leadership and governance needed in the trustee role at the BPS.

When chair in the Pre Qualified DCP Group, while working as an assistant psychologist and a trainee clinical psychologist, I provided early leadership that significantly contributed to representing, connecting, and supporting aspiring psychologists.

This role involved advocating for their needs and addressing critical issues within the psychology community, preparing me for the intricate responsibilities associated with serving on a board of trustees.

In my role as a Local Authority's head of clinical services, I had clinical oversight of 4 mental-health teams, leading approximately 100 staff and managing an annual budget of £3.5 million.

This position honed my strategic thinking and operational management skills, key elements that are directly applicable to the governance and oversight responsibilities of a board trustee.

Managing extensive resources and coordinating large teams equipped me with a keen understanding of complex organisational dynamics and fiscal management, both critical in ensuring the success and sustainability of an institution like the BPS.

Furthermore, my initiative to found Affiniti+, aimed at mainstreaming mental-health services and encouraging open dialogues about mental health and neurodiversity, underscores my commitment to innovation in mental health advocacy.

This venture not only demonstrates my entrepreneurial spirit but also reflects my dedication to creating supportive communities through collaborative efforts.

These experiences have imbued me with a deep appreciation for the importance of community and stakeholder engagement, essential traits for any member of a governing body.

Currently, as a board trustee for Chasing the Stigma, a national mental health charity, I am actively involved in governance roles that expand the reach of CtS's resources through innovative programmes like The Ambassador of Hope training and The Hub of Hope database.

This position has enriched my perspective on the non-profit sector and sharpened my skills in governance, particularly in the context of mental health advocacy and education.

My contributions here are guided by a commitment to transparency, ethical conduct, and strategic oversight – principles that are paramount in any governance role.

My experiences, my professional background and personal commitment to improving outcomes, align well with the responsibilities required of a trustee at the BPS.

My goal is to bring this expertise to the Board of Trustees, contributing to the society's governance, ensuring fiduciary responsibilities are met, and helping steer the society towards fulfilling its mission to enhance and spread knowledge in all areas of psychology and improve the effectiveness and impact of its members.

Through collaborative leadership, strategic oversight, and a deep-seated passion for advocacy for all, I am fully prepared to contribute effectively to the BPS.

The BPS's vision to promote inclusivity and diversity can profoundly impact its work by illuminating the rich tapestry of human experiences and voices that have often been marginalised.

This vision reflects a commitment to building a more equitable world where every individual is seen and valued, something I have personally committed to in my own professional and personal journey.

As a psychologist, I've learned the importance of hearing all voices.

My experiences, such as attending Women of the World's 15th anniversary was transformative, underlining the necessity of honouring each other's stories.

This has been a potent reminder that inclusivity is not just about including different people but about actively engaging with their distinct and valued perspectives.

The disparity in media coverage between the murder of Sarah Everard and the less publicised, equally tragic murders of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman reveals a systemic bias that often overlooks minorities.

This bias highlights the urgency for why BPS involvement in thinking through media reporting with others in an inclusive, psychological approach challenging these biases, ensuring fairer representations.

I've also seen how simple acts of inclusivity can be transformative, like respecting dietary preferences in professional settings, as I recently experienced a disappointing oversight despite clear communication about my non-beef diet.

This personal episode highlights a broader issue: inclusivity requires actionable commitment in every interaction, reinforcing respect for individual preferences and conditions.

Moreover, the role of diverse narratives in tech innovation, illustrated by initiatives such as Uplevyl which was designed to cater specifically to women, recognising our unique challenges and potential in digital platforms.

This aligns closely with BPS's values of inclusivity and demonstrates how the society can support technology to empower rather than exclude.

My own advocacy for 'female founders' and highlighting the need for more representation in leadership positions, where currently only a fraction of CEOs in major corporations are women.

The BPS has a key role in challenging the monopolisation by any single demographic internally and externally.

On a broader scale, the concept of success must be redefined to include diverse perspectives.

Hard work is often lauded as the sole path to success, yet this overlooks the structural inequities and barriers faced by many.

The BPS can bring psychological models to large audiences on this.

My approach has always been to advocate for smart work – leveraging one's strengths in a supportive environment, which aligns with BPS's principles by fostering an ecosystem where every individual has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background.

BPS's vision impacts its work and society by validating that inclusivity and diversity are not only ethically essential but also enrich our professional and communal environments.

It helps dismantle barriers, challenges biases, and fosters a culture where everyone can thrive.

In my continued advocacy as a psychologist, a female founder, and a community member, I am committed to living these principles, convinced that we can initiate change – one inclusive action at a time.

Together, we don't just dream of a more inclusive society; we actively build it.

In striving to create a vibrant, member-centred community with a meaningful membership identity at BPS, I see the role of an Elected Trustee as crucial in several areas:

1. Advocacy and Representation:
   
   It's imperative that I actively advocate for and represent the diverse voices and interests of our members.
   
   This requires keen listening, proactive engagement, and a steadfast commitment to bringing members' ideas and needs into the decision-making sphere.
    
2. Strategic Oversight:
   
   As a Trustee, I must ensure our strategies align with the society's vision for inclusivity and robust member engagement.
   
   I'll work to oversee initiatives that genuinely resonate with and empower our members, thereby strengthening their sense of identity within the community.
    
3. Promoting Engagement and Inclusivity:
   
   In my role, fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and engaged is a priority.
   
   I'll advocate for and support initiatives that enhance diversity, ensuring all members have the opportunity to actively contribute and feel integral to our community.
    
4. Effective Communication:
   
   Maintaining transparent, open lines of communication with the membership is vital.
   
   I am committed to keeping members well-informed about decisions, developments, and available opportunities, ensuring their continuous and informed engagement.
    
5. Feedback Mechanisms:
   
   Establishing robust channels for feedback is essential, and I would ensure these mechanisms are effective and genuinely considered in our policy-making.
   
   This will help us remain responsive and adaptable to members' needs and aspirations.
    
6. Leadership and Governance:
   
   Upholding the highest standards of governance and ethical practice will be at the core of my leadership.
   
   I am dedicated to providing clear, principled leadership that steers our actions towards nurturing a strong, member-focused community.

Through these roles, I am dedicated to enhancing our collaborative spirit and ensuring the BPS remains a supportive, dynamic space that reflects the ambitions and values of all its members.

How long have you known the candidate?

Five years.

When have you worked with the candidate or come into contact with them?

In a leadership role at London borough of Barnet, where I was a counterpart as head of service.

Why do you think the candidate would make a great trustee?

She is clever, clear thinking and able to challenge injustice.

She has a keen interest in governance and equalities.

She has long experience in NHS and local authority work (public service).

She is now a successful solopreneur.

I believe she would be a sound and uncompromising appointment as a trustee.

How long have you known the candidate?

Since 2009.

When have you worked with the candidate or come into contact with them?

I first met Dr Anindita Sarkar in 2009 during my initial NHS role within the ACAN (Adolescents with Complex and Additional Needs) Team at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

Since then, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth as she has taken on new roles and challenges, steadily evolving into the accomplished and insightful psychologist she is today.

Why do you think the candidate would make a great trustee?

Dr Anindita Sarkar brings over 20 years of wide-ranging experience as a consultant clinical psychologist, having worked across the NHS and local authorities.

Throughout her career, she's remained deeply committed to improving mental health services for children, young people, adults, and the broader community.

In one of her most recent roles, she led clinical services in a large London borough – overseeing multiple teams and showing both strong clinical judgment and a clear, strategic approach to leadership.

Founding Affiniti+ was a natural step for Anindita and speaks volumes about her drive to make mental health support more inclusive, innovative, and accessible.

She's passionate about bringing conversations around neurodiversity and emotional wellbeing into the mainstream – something that aligns strongly with the values of the British Psychological Society.

As a woman of colour with lived experience of dyslexia, Anindita brings authenticity, empathy, and a much-needed voice to leadership spaces in psychology.

She has consistently focused on making mental health care more relevant and accessible to all communities, while keeping her approach grounded in compassion and personalised support.