What we do
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) Bwrdd Cymru (Wales Board) represents dietitians, dietetic support workers and the wider profession across Wales. We are the expert voice on nutrition and dietetics in the country, working with the Welsh Government, NHS Wales 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 Wales on what matters most, feeding these insights into the wider BDA strategy.
Who we are
The BDA Wales Board is led by Chair Emma Catling and made up of dietitians, dietetic support workers and student members, all passionate about the profession and committed to making a difference in Wales.
Our board members bring a range of experience and expertise, with a shared interest in the issues that affect the dietetic workforce, 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 Wales.
Learn more about the Wales Board members.
What we've achieved
This year we have been dedicated to championing the profession and supporting our members across Wales. So far, we celebrated Dietitians Week with Sian Taylor winning the BDA IBEX Award, and delivered a joint graduate employability session with Cardiff Metropolitan University and Wrexham University students, the first time both universities took part together. We have also started a new project translating BDA Food Fact Sheets into Welsh, which you will see more of soon. And we are working on growing our board and becoming more engaged and visible for our members across Wales.
Our goals for 2026/27
We are working towards five aims
- Supporting a sustainable and skilled workforce to meet the needs of the population of Wales
- Shaping dietetic education and research
- Supporting and empowering members across Wales
- Increasing the visibility of the BDA and the profession as a trusted voice in Wales
- Growing a connected and representative membership community
What we're working on now
Our current activities include:
- Promoting the value of support worker roles, including during Support Worker Week
- Supporting practice based learners growth and development
- Recruiting new members to the Bwrdd
- Responding to consultations and continuing work on our workplan ahead of the new year.
- Promoting volunteering and specialist group committee opportunities
Next Country Board Meeting: 9 September 2026. Read our recent meeting minutes here.
Recruitment: Current Opportunities