What we do
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) Scotland Board represents dietitians, dietetic support workers and the wider profession across Scotland. We are the expert voice on nutrition and dietetics in the country, working with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland 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 on Scotland on what matters most, feeding these insights into the wider BDA strategy.
Who we are
The BDA Scotland Board is led by the Chair 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 Scotland.
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 Scotland.
Learn more about the Scotland Country Board members.
What we've achieved
This year we have been dedicated to championing the profession and supporting our members across Scotland. So far, we have launched the Scotland Board Instagram account and delivered a research webinar through the West of Scotland branch, sharing lived experience of research and service evaluation. We have also started work on a dedicated Scottish Parliament map for the BDA political toolkit, helping members engage with their local MSPs, which you will see more of soon. And we are working on becoming more engaged and visible within, and for, our members across Scotland.
Our goals for 2026/27
We are working towards five aims:
- Growing the profile of the profession in Scotland
- Growing the dietetic workforce and engagement in research
- Supporting trade union participation and activity
- Increasing the visibility of the BDA and the profession in Scotland
- Growing engagement with members and stakeholders across Scotland
What we're working on now
Our current activities include:
- Recruiting a new Chair and board member, following Christine Brown's four years of service
- Following up on dietetic representation on cross-party groups, including the nutrition standards group, after these stepped down ahead of the Scottish Parliament election
- Promoting the BDA political toolkit's new Scottish Parliament MSP map to members
- Raising concerns about NHS mileage rates with the Scottish Government
- Growing branch and specialist group engagement
Next Country Board Meeting: 24 September 2026. Read our recent meeting minutes here.
Recruitment: Chair of Scotland Country Board - BDA