What we do
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) Northern Ireland Board represents dietitians, dietetic support workers and the wider profession across Northern Ireland. We are the expert voice on nutrition and dietetics in the country, working with government departments, the Northern Ireland Assembly and health and social care organisations to make sure our profession is heard when it matters.
We respond to public consultations, influence the Assembly 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 in Northern Ireland on what matters most, feeding these insights into the wider BDA strategy.
Who we are
The BDA Northern Ireland Board is led by Chair Debbie McGugan and is made up of qualified dietitians, dietetic support workers and student dietitians, who are passionate about the profession and committed to making a difference in Northern Ireland.
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 Northern Ireland.
Learn more about the Northern Ireland Country Board members.
What we've achieved
This year we have been dedicated to growing the profile of the profession and supporting our members in Northern Ireland. So far, we held a well attended student event at Ulster University, with 86% of students saying they were very likely to take up BDA student membership, and the Northern Ireland branch was named Branch of the Year in June 2026. We have also started work on recruiting an equality representative for Northern Ireland, which you will hear more about soon. And we are working on our manifesto ahead of the 2027 Assembly election and becoming more engaged and visible for our members.
Our goals for 2026/27
We are working towards five aims:
- Growing the profile of the profession in Northern Ireland
- 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 and stakeholders across Northern Ireland
What we're working on now
Our current activities include:
- Promoting the value of support worker roles, including during Support Worker Week
- Supporting student growth and placement capacity at Ulster University
- Recruiting an equality representative for Northern Ireland
- Responding to consultations and continuing our manifesto work ahead of the 2027 Assembly election
- Promoting volunteering and specialist group committee opportunities
Next Country Board Meeting: 24 November 2026. Read our recent meeting minutes here.
Recruitment: The Northern Ireland 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].