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  7. Ordinary Member; Older People Specialist Group

Ordinary Member; Older People Specialist Group

Help shape the future of dietetics, and your own career, by joining one of the BDA's most rewarding volunteer committees. As an (extra!) Ordinary Member of the Older People Specialist Group, you'll contribute your expertise, work on projects that matter, and be part of a team that champions nutrition for older adults across the UK.

What the role offers
  • Hands-on experience: Get involved in real projects, events and resources that make a difference to members and the people they care for
  • Influence on practice: Contribute to the group's position on policy, best practice and guidance for dietitians working with older people
  • Wider networks: Build connections with dietitians, BDA staff and specialist group colleagues across the UK
  • Career development: Gain practical skills in project management, communication and collaboration that complement your professional practice
Your role

You'll work alongside the committee to support the delivery of projects, education and networking for specialist group members. Whether you're dipping into a particular area of interest or taking the lead on a specific project, your skills and expertise will help the group deliver its aims and objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Support the committee in delivering group projects, resources and events
  • Work closely with the BDA Volunteer Team, seeking advice and guidance where needed
  • Learn from committee members with specific portfolios, getting involved in and leading on specific projects as required
  • Undertake specific duties as agreed with the committee — for example, supporting research activities, sub-groups, or focused workstreams
  • Champion members' interests and the specialism of older people's nutrition
Support and development

You won't be doing this alone. You'll be fully supported throughout your time on the committee, including:

  • Full induction with BDA staff and a detailed handover from the previous postholder
  • Access to the volunteer handbook, hub and monthly newsletter
  • Workshops, webinars and the BDA annual Volunteer Support Day
  • Ongoing support from the Chair, Vice-Chair and wider committee
  • Networking with specialist group volunteers and BDA colleagues across the organisation
About the group

The Older People Specialist Group brings together dietitians with an interest in the nutrition of older people. We believe this is a specialism on a par with any other area of dietetic expertise. As a committee member, you'll be part of a group that:

  • Provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and experience — including an active discussion forum for members
  • Offers advice and support to dietitians working with older people, including an annually updated library of key national resources and guidelines
  • Produces evidence-based resources to promote good nutrition for older people, including patient and carer resources available through NDR-UK
  • Builds links with national organisations and charities to improve the accuracy of their nutrition resources for older adults
  • Champions the use of food as treatment in cases of malnutrition, drawing on the unique skills of dietitians
  • Promote older people’s nutrition on Twitter and Instagram – follow us @BDA_olderpeople
Commitment

We'd love for you to stay for the full two-year term, with the option to extend for a further two years if you're enjoying the role — giving you the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the group and the wider profession. Of course, as a volunteer we completely understand that life happens, and you're free to step back at any time.

To set you up for success from day one, you'll receive a detailed induction with BDA staff at the start of your term. Committee meetings are held regularly throughout the year and can be attended virtually, with flexible work between meetings shaped by the strategy and projects the committee agrees together.

Appointment method

To apply for this role please submit a nomination form. 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 Carlena 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.