Help shape the practical support available to neurosciences dietitians across the UK by taking on a creative and flexible volunteer role. You'll lead the development of resources that make a real difference to members' practice, with significant scope to put your own stamp on the role.
What the role offers
- Creative leadership: Plan, develop and co-ordinate resources and guidance for members, with the flexibility to try new approaches and shape the role around the group's needs
- Influence on practice: Work with colleagues and external stakeholders to produce resources that support neurosciences dietitians and, where relevant, the public
- Wider networks: Build connections with dietitians, BDA staff and specialist group colleagues across the UK
- Career development: Gain organisation, communication and project management skills that translate directly into your professional practice
Your role
You will co-ordinate the committee and membership to create high-quality, up-to-date resources that support members in their practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Co-ordinate the committee and group members to create resources for members and, where relevant, the public
- Ensure new resources comply with BDA standards policy and the endorsement process
- Ensure resources are regularly reviewed and updated in line with BDA policy
- Recruit members to carry out the review and development of new resources
- Ensure all group resources carry the correct branding and logos in line with BDA branding guidelines, working with the BDA Design Officer on any design work
- Work with the BDA Accounts Team and group Treasurer to create and manage project budgets
- Collaborate with external stakeholders to develop and influence resources where relevant
- Work with the Website Editor and Social Media Officer to promote new resources through BDA communication channels
- Work closely with the BDA Volunteer Manager and the Education, Practice and Policy Team, seeking advice and guidance where needed
Support and development
You will be fully supported throughout your term, including:
- Full induction with BDA staff and, where possible, a detailed handover from the previous postholder
- Ongoing support from the BDA Volunteer Manager and teams across the BDA, as well as key committee members including the Chair, Treasurer, Education Officer and Research Officer
- Workshops, webinars and the BDA annual Volunteer Support Day
- Access to the volunteer handbook, hub and monthly newsletter
- Networking with other volunteers through events, webinars and volunteer forums
Commitment
- You will be elected for a two-year term of office, with the option to extend for an additional two years. We hope that reasonable notice would be given if you are no longer able to fulfil the role, as we appreciate that circumstances can change.
- Committee meetings are held regularly throughout the year and can be attended virtually if required. There is a flexible amount of work between meetings, dependent on the strategy, workplans and projects agreed by the committee.
About the group
- To provide a network for dietitians and other members of the BDA who work within or have an interest in neurosciences to share expertise, knowledge and service developments
- To influence national policy and guidance with respect to nutrition and long-term neurological conditions on behalf of the BDA, and prepare consensus statements. This will be carried out using robust evidence-based practice
- To provide an environment for dietitians and other health care professionals to support their training and education through study days, newsletters, meetings and publications in association with the BDA CED
- To facilitate original research and audit amongst group members and promote the sharing of results and findings at a regional and national level. This includes conferences and in peer reviewed journals
- Support the development of resources such as newsletters, standards, guidance or patient information on the nutritional management of long-term neurological conditions
- Provide an annual bursary (where available) to support a member and committee member to undertake CPD in relation to the nutritional management of long-term neurological conditions in the acute and community setting, and share this with members of the group and the wider BDA membership. This will be dependent on sufficient funds being available
- On behalf of the BDA, to respond to enquiries from the media and other organisations with respect to the nutritional management of long-term neurological conditions
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].