Play a central role in keeping the Neurosciences Specialist Group running smoothly by stepping into this essential and rewarding volunteer position. As the vital link between the committee and the BDA, you'll help ensure the group is well-organised, well-governed, and well-positioned to serve its members.
What the role offers
- Governance experience: Develop practical skills in committee administration, governance and organisational management
- Central influence: Act as the key conduit between the committee and the BDA, playing an important part in how the group functions and communicates
- 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 work closely with the Chair to ensure the smooth running and governance of the group, supporting the committee and keeping the BDA informed.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assist the Chair with the day-to-day running of the group
- Lead on key governance responsibilities, working with the Chair to co-ordinate committee contributions
- Co-ordinate committee meetings, the AGM and group communications
- Produce meeting agendas and take minutes at committee meetings and the AGM, ensuring these are disseminated to key BDA staff contacts and group members
- Oversee the storage of files, ensuring compliance with the BDA's data protection policies
- Support the committee in the delivery of group projects
- Work with the Chair to co-ordinate committee recruitment
- Work closely with the BDA Volunteer Manager, seeking advice and guidance where needed
Support and development
You will be fully supported throughout your term, including:
- Full induction with BDA staff and a detailed handover from the previous postholder
- Committee leadership and governance training upon commencement of each term
- Ongoing support from the BDA Volunteer Manager and key committee members including the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer
- 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.
Aims and objectives of 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].