Elections 2025: Oluwatoyosi (Toy) Odiakosa

I have over a decade of commercial experience in a silver circle law firm in the City of London, I am highly skilled at perusing board papers, probing and constructively challenging in discussions to serve good governance.

Now a chartered coaching psychologist and independent Trustee for construction charity Build It International, I am still motivated by tangible results.

The heart of governance is in setting the values of the charity, and building and maintaining successful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Build It International is headquartered in the UK and creating opportunities for young people and their communities in Zambia, through skills training and building projects delivered by Zambians.

It has been challenging and rewarding to always be considering the interests and concerns of stakeholders including the wider society, particularly when decisions are being made.

Thirdly, I am a board reviewer within the Board Practice Group at the coaching firm Praesta LLP. This means I evaluate the effectiveness of boards by analysing multiple sources and topics in governance.

These are useful for building a picture of the board's purpose and performance against agreed criteria.

I have co-led the delivery of evaluations in the commercial and charity sectors including in highly regulated industries, most particularly the financial and health sectors.

I also engage in board development work with individual board members, board sub-committees and main boards.

It would make the field of psychology more accessible, reaching beyond the mainstream, to those who may otherwise have been excluded or hindered.

A much needed initiative, at the same time, the society will need to ensure it is adequately resourced to deliver the initiative in a measured way.

A vibrant member-centred community would normally be based on a clear and strong message that individuals want to identify with.

The development of the profession has brought an element of diffusion to what the differences are between various types of roles with seeming overlaps.

The elected trustee could contribute to a journey of discussions that enable a coherent membership identity to be recognised and clarified while having room for individual differences.

How long have you known the candidate?

Member at the DoCP.

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

The candidate is a valued member of the DoCP membership, and engages actively with the DoCP on a wide range of activities.

I worked with her via the DoCP Conference 2024 in London and I am happy to support her nomination without any reservations.

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

The candidate has an excellent track record as a trustee, board reviewer, and has outstanding experience within the field as both a psychologist as well as a trustee and board member.

She is well qualified and holds the necessary skills to be an excellent trustee board member.

How long have you known the candidate?

One year.

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

I met Oluwatoyosi (Toy) at a DoCP conference in June 2024.

In October 2024 Toy engaged me as her practice supervisor and since such time, Toy has maintained regularly, individual, practice supervision on a monthly basis.

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

Toy demonstrates a strong commitment to the BPS and its purpose and has shown significant commitment and dedication in achieving her Chartered Status which reflects the value she places in the organisation.

In my supervision of Toy, she has demonstrated a high level of integrity and strong ethical behaviour which is evidenced through her commitment to, and active engagement in, regular practice supervision.