What we do
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) England Board represents dietitians, dietetic support workers and the wider profession across England. We are the expert voice on nutrition and dietetics in the country, working with government departments, the NHS and health and social care organisations to make sure our profession is heard when it matters.
We respond to public consultations, engage with government on issues that affect the profession and keep track of developments in health and social care policy, workforce planning and education, so that we can inform members and act on their behalf.
We use our national oversight to listen to members based in England on what matters most, feeding these insights into the wider BDA strategy.
Who we are
The BDA England Board is led by Chair Paul McArdle and made up of qualified dietitians, dietetic support workers and student dietitians, who are passionate about the profession and committed to making a difference in England.
Our board members bring a range of experience and expertise, with a shared interest in the issues that affect the dietetic workforce most, from policy and workforce planning to public health. Board members balance their roles alongside day jobs and offer lived experience and perspectives from working in dietetics to everything the board does.
Working together, we represent the interests of the dietetic workforce and promote the value of dietetics across England.
Learn more about the England Country Board members.
What we've achieved
This year we have been dedicated to championing the role of dietitians and dietetics in England. So far, we have completed our project to help members assess food insecurity and signpost people to the right support. We have also started a new project on neighbourhood health, which you will hear more about soon. And we are working on becoming more engaged and visible within, and for, our members.
Our goals for 2026/27
We are working towards five aims:
- Growing the profile of the profession in England
- Growing the dietetic workforce and engagement in research
- Supporting trade union participation and activity
- Increasing the visibility of the BDA and the profession
- Growing engagement with members, stakeholders and BDA participation across England
What we're working on now
Our current projects include:
- Identifying the support needed by international students and Registered Dietitians
- Gathering evidence on the impact of dietitians and dietetics
- Developing CPD opportunities for dietetic leaders
- A neighbourhood health briefing to identify and promote the dietetic contribution to neighbourhood health
- A safe staffing and complexity project
Next Country Board Meeting: 21 September 2026. Read our recent meeting minutes here.
Recruitment: The England Country Board is not currently recruiting, but if you'd like to get involved in the future, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Julia, at [email protected].