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  7. Ordinary Member; Food Services Specialist Group

Ordinary Member; Food Services Specialist Group

Aims and Objectives of the Group
  • Develop and promote the specialism of food services within dietetics
  • Build a sustainable workforce by developing guidance (‘The Digest’), tools (compliance checklist, menu capacity etc) and communication resources that will support our members working in food and beverage services
  • Grow our membership community by developing new courses and materials o entice students, newly graduated and more experienced dietitians interested in our specialist area to develop their knowledge and skills in food services
  • Increase our voice and visibility by representing our membership and the BDA, advising Government, other agencies and professional bodies about good nutrition and hydration and appropriate food and drink provision (e.g. Food Strategy white paper, NHS E/I Hospital Food Review sub groups, Healthcare Food and Drink Standards, HCA, Universities)
  • Harness innovation and development by producing, promoting, and advancing the science and practice of food service dietetics through The Nutrition & Hydration Digest and the development of other guidance as required
What the post has to offer

As an ordinary member, you will work with the committee to ensure the successful delivery of projects, education and networking for specialist group members. You’ll have a particularly important role in supporting the committee in its work, dipping in and out of projects of interest and using your skills and expertise help deliver your specialist group aims and objectives.

You’ll work with the committee to develop an overview of the strategic developments affecting the specialist group from both within the BDA and externally to the profession. Using your knowledge and skills to represent specialist group members interests, advocate for the specialism and the dietetic profession.

We don’t expect you to do it alone, you’ll work closely with the specialist group committee and with the support of the BDA staff team.

Through this role you will gain organisation, communication and project management skills, which can translate directly into career development. It will also give you an opportunity to work with colleagues across your speciality, building networks, sharing knowledge and skills.

Main duties and responsibilities
  • Support the committee in delivery of group projects.
  • Work closely with the BDA’s Volunteer Ttam, seeking advice and guidance where needed.
  • Learn from committee members with specific portfolios, getting involved and leading on specific projects as required.
  • Undertake specific duties as agreed with the committee e.g., support research activities, sub- groups or work on specific projects and tasks.
Training Support and Resources

Support for this role is offered by key committee members including the chair, Vice Chair, secretary and treasurer who work as a team to set strategy, determine priorities and lead the committee to success.

We have a variety of resources, tools and training available to support this role including:

  • Full induction with BDA staff and a full handover from the previous postholder.
  • Training and development opportunities to help build personal and professional skills including workshops, webinars and the BDA’s annual volunteer conference.
  • Committee leadership training to help build skills in strategy and governance.
  • Access to our volunteer handbook and volunteer hub providing a range of resources and guidance.
  • Regular communications including a monthly volunteer newsletter with BDA updates and opportunities.
  • Networking with other volunteers through events, webinars and access to our volunteer forums.
Length of service and commitment

You will be elected for a two-year term of office and have the option to extend for an additional two-year term. Reasonable notice can be given if you are no longer able to fulfil this role.

There are a number of training and development opportunities available, including a detailed induction with BDA staff and governance training to be undertaken upon commencement of each term.

Committee meetings are held four times a year and can be attended virtually if required. There is a varying and flexible amount of work in between meetings which is dependent on the strategy, workplans and projects agreed to by the committee. 

The specialist group holds a minimum of one event for members a year which includes the Annual General Meeting, it is typical for the committee to attend these events.

Appointment method

To apply for this role please submit a nomination form by Wednesday 29th October 2025. Nominees must be a member of the group and provide the names and signatories of two BDA members to support their nomination.

If you would like an informal, confidential discussion about the role and the nomination process, please contact Leanne McDowell at [email protected]


Members who support my application

First member

Second member


Declaring conflicts of interest

Council has decided that it is good practice for all members who represent the BDA on outside bodies, who are completing specific pieces of work for the BDA, are executive committee members of specialist groups or members of standing committees to register any interests which may be perceived as potentially generating a conflict of interests with BDA business.

The definition of what needs to be recorded is: the interests of a member which might reasonably be thought by others to influence their actions in their capacity as a BDA member acting on behalf of the BDA. This is consistent with our Members’ Charter and the way other councils work (including the Health Professions Council).

This form will be held confidentially by the BDA Chief Executive and the Honorary Secretary. It will be completed by anyone representing the BDA externally or taking on a distinct piece of work, where the BDA thinks it appropriate that the member complete it. It may be used if a conflict of interests arises and  Council or the Investigatory Committee decides that it needs to access it.

Please complete the following details as fully as possible and declare any possible conflict of interest you may have. Click on either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to answer each question.

I confirm that the information given on this form is correct and understand that failure to disclose relevant information may result in my role representing the BDA being terminated.

I agree that the information I have provided may be disclosed to the Council or the Investigatory Committee if requested.

I acknowledge that, under the terms of my membership of the BDA, I must comply with the rules and policies of the BDA, professional Codes of Conduct and the Members’ Charter. In particular, I will ensure that:

  • I act in the best interests of the BDA
  • I uphold confidentiality and ensure that any information obtained during a visit is used solely for the purposes of the BDA and is not divulged to any person or third party.
  • I conduct myself appropriately and treat all present with equal respect.