Play a central role in keeping the Older People 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
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 impact on 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 and where possible, the outgoing Chair. Committee meetings are held regularly and can be attended virtually, with flexible work between meetings shaped by the strategy and projects the committee agrees together.
About the group
- Develop and promote a professional specialism within dietetics.
- Represent a defined group of members.
- Bring together Dietitians with an interest in the nutrition of older people – we believe nutrition for older adults is a specialism on a par with any other area of dietetic expertise.
- Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and experience - OPSG has a discussion forum (see below once logged in) which we encourage members to use to post questions and offer replies.
- Offer advice and support to Dietitians working with older people – our website provides access to an annually updated list of key national resources and guidelines on all aspects of nutrition in older adults.
- Produce evidence-based resources to promote and encourage good nutrition for older people we produce simple patient/carer resources which are available to purchase from NDR-UK.
- Build links with other agencies and voluntary organisations - we assist various national organisations and charities (see Friends of the Elderly as an example) to improve the accuracy and appropriateness of their nutrition resources for older people.
- Support research – we offer our support to relevant research projects.
- Promote older peoples nutrition on X and Instagram– follow us @BDA_olderpeople.
- Champion the use of food as treatment in cases of malnutrition - we believe that our in-depth knowledge and understanding of food is one of the unique skills of Dietitians.
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]