Updated content
As part of our commitment to promote dietitians as the go-to experts on nutrition and health, we have worked with an expert public relations educator to develop a new CPD package for dietitians wishing to engage with the media.
In order to provide a thorough understanding of the modern media environment and PR approaches along with the opportunity to practice key media handling skills for interviews and pitches, we’ve developed a two-module package.
N.B This course is currently being updated and the format and content will change in advance if the next scheduled delivery date in January 2026
This first module is an online, mandatory, module that you can complete at your own pace ahead of the second module – a full day in the classroom with our expert media professional practicing your interview skills.
This package is in two parts:
1. Health Care Professionals and the Media – Skills for a Professional and Effective Relationship (online module)
This online module will help you to build your confidence when engaging with media, both reactively and proactively.
It will provide you with context and understanding of how the UK media operates; the media relations process; and how you can engage professionally and effectively with journalists across print, broadcast, and online outlets.
You will be equipped to manage pre-record and written media responses upon completion. In order to attend the practical workshop delegates must have completed the online module
2. Health Care Professionals and the Media – Pitching & Interviewing Practical Workshop (classroom course)
This one-day course builds upon the self-study participants have already completed during the ‘Health Care Professionals and the Media – Skills for a Professional and Effective Relationship’ online module. Having reviewed the changing media context, relationships with journalists, and compelling content, participants will now have a go at pitching stories and completing practice interviews. This course is suitable for those relatively new to engaging with the media and will also provide practice and feedback opportunities for those with existing media engagement experience. In order to attend the practical workshop delegates must have completed the online module
Aim
The aim of this course is to increase confidence and competence when engaging with the media, whether proactively or reactively. Through practical exercises, practice with peers, and real-time feedback, participants will develop the skills to communicate evidence-based nutrition information to the public via several media channels and platforms.
Learning outcomes
- Confidently answer live and pre-record interviews using the evidence base and in line with BDA/service policy (LO1)
- Proactively engage with journalists, influencers, and producers to pitch and follow-up stories (LO2)
- Understand the limit of your scope in the media – when you should and should not comment (LO3)
N.B that completion of the course will not qualify you as a BDA media spokesperson
Upcoming dates