Working with Pharmaceutical Companies

We know this decision may feel uncomfortable for some members. It is completely reasonable to have questions about it. This was not a quick or casual decision. 

As a professional body, BDA works with many parts of the healthcare system. That includes the NHS, universities, charities, policymakers and industry. Pharmaceutical companies are part of the wider healthcare landscape. If we want dietitians to have influence and visibility in conversations that shape patient care, research and service delivery, we need to be present in those spaces.

Working with a pharmaceutical company does not mean endorsing everything it does. It means engaging in a structured and transparent way, with clear boundaries, so the dietetic voice is heard.

Any pharmaceutical company we work with goes through a rigorous and formal review process. We look at regulatory compliance, reputation, alignment with our values and willingness to meet our governance requirements. 

Not every company that expresses interest will be accepted. We reserve the right to decline or end relationships if concerns arise. 

No. Our professional independence is fundamental. 

Clinical guidance, position statements and policy work are developed independently. Commercial activity is managed separately from professional decision making. Sponsors do not influence recommendations or advocacy positions. 

If at any point that boundary felt compromised, the partnership would be reviewed. 

Educational content remains professionally led and evidence based. 

If an activity is sponsored, that sponsorship is clearly declared. Sponsors do not choose speakers or control learning outcomes. Our responsibility is to maintain professional standards and we take that seriously.

We operate a formal conflict of interest policy. Individuals involved in guidance development, events or publications are required to declare relevant interests. 

Where necessary, those interests are managed openly and transparently. In some cases, people may step back from particular decisions. 

We believe transparency builds trust. 

It would not be honest to say finances are not a factor. Like any professional organisation, BDA has to think about long term sustainability. 

Partnership income helps us invest in member services, professional development, policy work and advocacy. It also helps reduce pressure on membership fees. 

That said, financial support never gives a company influence over our guidance, policy positions or professional standards. Safeguards are in place to protect our independence at all times. 

No. Membership does not require you to engage with any industry partner. 

You are free to decide whether to attend sponsored events or participate in related activity. Your membership benefits are not affected by that choice. 

No. We comply fully with UK data protection regulations. 

Personal data is not shared with partners without explicit consent. Protecting member information is a priority. 

Partnership arrangements may include opportunities such as exhibiting at events or advertising in clearly defined spaces. 

They do not receive access to member databases, influence over policy or control over editorial content. The boundaries are clearly set out in contractual agreements. 

Our aim is always to strengthen the profession and improve patient care. 

Additional income can support expanded CPD, new resources, research initiatives and stronger advocacy work. It also allows dietitians to be present in wider healthcare discussions where nutrition expertise matters. 

The intention is to increase influence, not compromise it. 

We recognise that the pharmaceutical industry has faced criticism and scrutiny. Some members may feel strongly about this. 

Choosing not to engage does not remove industry from healthcare. Engaging with clear rules and transparency allows us to uphold standards and represent the profession responsibly. 

We are committed to reviewing partnerships if concerns arise and we welcome constructive dialogue from members. 

The decision was discussed at senior leadership and board level. Risks, benefits, governance safeguards and member impact were all considered. 

It was debated carefully before being agreed. 

How we assess corporate membership applications

When an organisation applies to become a BDA Corporate Member, we follow a structured assessment process to ensure the partnership is appropriate, transparent and in the best interests of our members and the dietetic profession.

Stage 1 — Application

The organisation submits a formal application, including their annual report and corporate social responsibility statement. We ask them to provide information covering their relationship with the BDA, key health and nutrition messages, major brands, industry body memberships, and whether they manufacture any breastmilk substitute products.

Stage 2 — Internal assessment

Our Partnerships team conducts a due diligence review against BDA guidelines for working with commercial organisations. This covers alignment with BDA policy and strategy, the target audience for any proposed activity, editorial independence, and any potential conflicts or reputational risks.

Each application is also scored against a risk and opportunity framework, which assesses factors such as reputational risk, the potential for adverse publicity, and the benefit to members and the public.

Stage 3 — Sign-off

Depending on the scope and value of the partnership, applications are authorised by the Partnerships Manager, Chief Operating Officer, or Chief Executive. Higher-value or more complex partnerships require sign-off at a more senior level.

Our commitment to independence

Approval of a corporate membership application does not give any organisation influence over BDA policy, clinical guidance, position statements or educational content. These remain independently developed and evidence-based at all times.

Yes. Agreements include provisions that allow us to end a partnership if standards are not met or concerns cannot be resolved.

Our professional integrity always comes first. 

Many healthcare professional organisations engage with industry in some form. The important factor is not whether engagement exists, but how it is governed. 

Our focus is on maintaining clear boundaries and transparency. 

Yes. We are committed to ongoing communication. 

If you have concerns, questions or feedback, we encourage you to share them using the form below. Listening to members is essential in maintaining trust. 

Educational sessions remain professionally led. Promotional activity is clearly separated from learning content. 

Sponsorship is declared openly so members can make informed choices. 

We respect that not everyone will agree. Professional organisations sometimes face complex decisions where there are differing views. 

If you would like to raise concerns or discuss the decision further, please do so via the form below. We welcome that conversation. Open discussion strengthens the profession.