Thank you for considering a volunteer role with the specialist group committee. You can find more information about the role, support available, and the nomination process below.
We have an experienced secretary in post however we know there is lots of work to do and would like to recruit someone to join them! So this would be a joint secretary role.
Aims and Objectives of the Group
Aims:
- To provide a communication network for Dietitians working in the area of Forensics and promoting the work that we do, to grow the visibility of Dietetics in these settings.
- To provide an opportunity for peer supervision and CPD relevant to Forensics. Developing skills in this unique area and encouraging retention.
- To develop resources relevant to Forensics, including those for student training.
- To develop policies and guidance to be used within Forensic Dietetics to increase practice based evidence used within the settings.
Objectives:
- To create schedule of regular meetings for members
- To set up a system for members to communicate and share ideas and questions
- To ensure regular committee meetings take place
- Set up task groups within the membership to help action goals
- To link in with other subgroups/special interest groups to share knowledge and resource and prevent duplication
What the post has to offer
As the sub-group secretary, you will work closely with the committee to ensure the successful running and organisation of the sub group. As secretary you’ll have a particularly important role as the conduit between your committee and the BDA, providing snapshots of meetings, ensuring that your committee is up to date with its annual governance requirements and working closely with fellow secretary and the sub-group chair to ensure that your group is running smoothly.
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 sub group members interests, advocate for sub group and the dietetic profession as a whole.
We don’t expect you to do it alone, as secretary you’ll work closely with your fellow secretary and the chair along with the sub-group committee and with the support of the BDA staff team to deliver your sub group aims and objectives.
Through this role you will gain organisational, 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
- Assist the chair with the running of the group.
- Lead on key governance responsibilities, working with the chair to co-ordinate committee contributions.
- Co-ordinate committee meetings, AGM and group communication.
- Produce meeting agendas and take minutes at committee meetings and AGM, ensuring that minutes are disseminated to key BDA staff contacts and the group members.
- Oversee the storage of files, ensuring that storage is in line with the BDA’s data protection policies.
- Support the committee in delivery of group projects.
- Work closely with the BDA’s volunteering team, seeking advice and guidance where needed.
- Work with the chair to co-ordinate committee recruitment.
Training, Support and Resources
As the secretary you’ll work closely with the volunteering team who offers support, guidance and advice to the secretary. Support for this role is offered by key committee members including the chair 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 secretary.
- 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 4 times a year, one of which will be in person. 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 the 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 the Chair, Emma or the Volunteer Team at [email protected].