BPS Assessment Ltd (BPSA) is the learning and assessment arm of the British Pharmacological Society (BPS), established to improve global medication safety through better prescribing education. Its flagship Prescribing Skills Assessment and case-based eLearning tools are now embedded in medical and pharmacy training across the world.As a fast-growing social enterprise, BPSA plays a vital dual role: generating income to support the Society’s wider mission while advancing global standards in safe prescribing. Following a period of strong commercial growth and international reach, BPSA partnered with Peridot Partners to recruit a new Chair and Non-Executive Directors to strengthen governance, diversify leadership, and guide the organisation’s next strategic phase.
Context.
Since its creation in 2017, BPSA has built an exceptional reputation for innovation and impact. In 2023, it achieved a 16% increase in sales, over 90% customer renewal rates and a growing international footprint across 40 countries. With solid foundations in place and a clear appetite to evolve, the organisation was ready to move into a more ambitious phase, scaling its products, expanding global partnerships and deepening its social mission.
This required new voices and perspectives on the Board. The outgoing Chair, Christine Williams, had established a culture of warmth, collaboration and effective governance. The next step was to retain that strength while bringing greater sector insight, commercial ambition and challenge.
Peridot was engaged to recruit a new Chair and Non-Executive Director, while also helping the Board think strategically about future succession and the next generation of governance talent.
Brief and Search.
Led by James Hunt, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, we worked closely with the Managing Director of BPSA, the outgoing Chair and senior leaders across the British Pharmacological Society to design a process that was inclusive, stretching and aligned with the organisation’s evolving ambitions.
We were looking for individuals who could balance strategic foresight with humility, and who shared BPSA’s belief that commercial growth and social impact go hand in hand. Ideal candidates would bring expertise in healthcare, medical education or digital innovation, alongside the ability to support business scaling and international development.
Peridot ran a highly targeted and relational search, engaging across healthcare, life sciences, education technology and mission-driven commercial enterprises. We also focused deliberately on increasing the ethnic and professional diversity of the Board, surfacing candidates who could contribute fresh insight and lived experience to complement existing strengths.
Outcome.
We were delighted to support them in appointing Dr John Bolodeoku as Chair, Shoshana Bloom as Non-Executive Director, and additionally, an unplanned but welcome third individual, Lucy Murray as Non-Executive Director (Designate).
Dr John Bolodeoku brings over 35 years of leadership in life sciences, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, alongside extensive NHS and academic experience. A former Consultant Pathologist and senior medical executive with Biogen, Roche and Celgene, John combines strategic vision, clinical credibility and global commercial acumen. His board and governance record spans education, health innovation and community leadership, and his inclusive, facilitative style makes him ideally placed to guide BPSA into its next phase.
Shoshana Bloom is a seasoned healthcare strategist and digital transformation leader with 25 years’ experience across the NHS, Department of Health and commercial health technology. As Founder of Equiti Health and Non-Executive Director for Pharm@Sea, she brings deep expertise in digital innovation, sustainability and health equity. Her blend of strategic planning and commercial acumen will help BPSA strengthen its international presence and balance social value with commercial growth.
Lucy Murray joins as Non-Executive Director (Designate), a developmental appointment reflecting BPSA’s commitment to nurturing future board talent. Currently Sales Director for Education at ADInstruments, Lucy has led European market expansion across life sciences and EdTech. Her data-driven approach, commercial insight and passion for education and healthcare bring a fresh perspective and energy to the Board.
Reflecting, John said: “Thank you for the words of encouragement and counsel. I enjoyed working with a very professional and friendly head-hunter.”
Additionally, Shoshana commented: “Thank you for the excellent support throughout the application process. I felt well-informed and prepared throughout. I would happily recommend Peridot and look forward to working with you again.”
James Hunt reflected: “BPS Assessment is an extraordinary example of a purpose-driven enterprise combining scientific integrity with commercial ambition. Working with the team to recruit such a talented and diverse group of new board members was a privilege. John, Shoshana and Lucy each bring distinct expertise and shared values that will help shape a more ambitious, globally connected future for BPSA.”
James Hunt is our Head of Not for Profit Appointments, a senior executive search recruitment specialist supporting the not for profit sector since 2005. With a love for finding passionate and talented people, matchmaking leaders, experts and teams in executive appointments. You can connect with James on LinkedIn, or email him at james@peridotpartners.co.uk to start an informal chat about your career or recruitment needs.
