Working with the BDA
BDA Alliances (non-commercial partnerships)
Working in non commercial partnership with other professional bodies, consumer groups, health charities, food interest groups and food industry is important to the British Dietetic Association (BDA). This way of working is of benefit to the Association as it recognises us as an organisation willing to lobby and share the expertise of members to influence the food agenda, and identifies as being an important player in the ‘voice of food’.
The BDA is often needs to work with other partners to develop an innovative scientific approach, to challenge aspects of Government or food industry practice, to identify the risk of withdrawal of resources or to draw attention to new opportunities for improving nutrition and health.
These alliances must be aligned with the BDA’s aims and Strategic Plan, and promote the dietetic profession and the Association. They are intended to offer the Association an opportunity to be proactive and influence policy.
Current Alliances
Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition
The BDA is a partner in the Breastfeeding Manifesto coalition – a partnership of organisations working to improve awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding and its role in reducing health inequalities. The manifesto can be found at www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk/doc/breastfeeding_manifesto.pdf
Children’s Food Campaign (Sustain)
The Children’s Food Campaign wants to improve young people’s health and wellbeing through good food and real food education in school, protecting children from junk food marketing and clear labelling that everyone including children can understand. The BDA is a supporter of this campaign www.sustainweb.org/childrensfoodcampaign
Alliances Ethos
- The BDA is committed to improving the health of the population and promoting healthy, nutritious food and sustainable lifestyles. This creates the context within which any acceptable collaboration might take place.
- The BDA will support partnerships and coalitions that promote positive health messages and/or challenge factors that prevent this eg child poverty, inequitable access to care.
- Health messages must be consistent with BDA policy.
Contact Information
For more information on developing an alliance with the BDA, contact Alison Nelson the Food & Health Policy Officer on a.nelson@bda.uk.com, 01524 847142.