Dietitians at this level of practice demonstrate consultant level expertise across all four pillars of practice. They provide values-based leadership across complex systems employing consultancy approaches that impact practice, services, communities, education and workforce capacity and capability.
What is consultant level practice?
At this level, dietitians possess extensive knowledge and skills, are highly specialised and are often at the forefront in their field. They use their expertise for original thinking, research, education and leadership. They apply systems leadership using their expert knowledge to drive strategic change across whole systems and continue to develop and share their clinical expertise and research capabilities.
Consultant level dietitians transform care delivery through partnerships with care recipients, the public, clinical academic experts, and other stakeholders to improve services locally, nationally, and internationally. They may have significant responsibilities for service delivery, education and workforce, guiding how care and services are commissioned and transformed.
The consultant level is underpinned by further appropriate relevant qualifications which will likely include doctorate qualifications.
Only a small percentage of the dietetic profession will be working at this level of practice.
Consultant level frameworks across the four nations
The following frameworks have been developed across the four nations to support and encourage the development of consultant level practice:
| Nation | Framework |
| England | Multi-professional consultant-level practice capability and impact framework |
| Scotland | Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Development Framework (Consultant practitioner) |
| Wales | Professional Framework for Enhanced, Advanced and Consultant Clinical Practice |
| Northern Ireland | Not available |
Case studies: Dietitians working at consultant level of practice
Dr Paul McArdle
