The BDA Dietetic Career Framework has been designed for individuals, managers and teams to support career progression and continual professional development no matter the area in which you work. It integrates and updates the previous ‘Support Workforce Professional Development Framework’ and the ‘Post Registration Professional Development Framework’, into a single, comprehensive framework which spans the whole dietetic workforce.
For more detailed information on the development, purpose and use of the BDA Dietetic Career Framework watch our explainer below:
Watch a more detailed version including answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) here.
FAQs
What if I don’t want to progress through all the different levels?
We recognise that not everyone will want to seek career progression through all the levels. Staying within one or two level throughout your career might be the right choice for you.
You should pursue a path that aligns to your goals and needs.
The framework helps you to:
- Achieve CPD at your chosen level
- Work to the top of your scope of practice
- Maximise your skills and professional contributions`
- Explore opportunities to move between settings and specialities.
Why Capabilities and not Competencies?
Capability is increasingly being used now. Competence is traditionally oriented towards the successful performance of specific, predetermined tasks in predictable situations. It focuses on meeting established standards of proficiency required for safe and effective practice, often assessed through measurable criteria.
Capabilities better reflect the dynamic, adaptable and complex nature of current healthcare practice. They focus on behaviours, attitudes and the ability to apply new knowledge, which supports flexible workforce development and innovative, patient centred care.
Do I have to practise at the same level across all four pillars?
Since job roles and responsibilities vary, you may find that you meet the capabilities at a level of practice in one pillar but not in another. For example, you meet the ‘advanced level' in the professional practice pillar but at the enhanced level within the leadership or research pillar.
This is entirely appropriate. It gives you scope to develop. To progress to the next level of practice however, you must meet each of the relevant capabilities, across the four pillars.
Why is it levels of practice and not pay bands or grades?
This framework is about capability and professional growth and not pay. Capability progression within the framework does not directly determine the NHS Agenda for change (AfC) banding or salary.
Pay bands and grades are determined by job evaluation and vary by organisation, country, and employment setting, making them inconsistent.
By focusing on levels, we provide a consistent, universal structure that applies across all sectors, and nations regardless of local pay systems.
Why are the professional practice capabilities so generic? They don’t justice to my role?
Feedback on old versions suggested it was too general by those working clinically and not applicable for those working outside of the NHS. It felt too clinically focused rather than the broader career possibilities.
We agreed to focus on transferable skills for all dietitians. This will need collaboration with the BDA Specialist Groups, to assess whether additional practice pillar capabilities are needed for specific areas of dietetic practice including roles in industry, private practice, academia and research.
Levels of practice
The Framework incorporates seven levels of practice from the supportive through to consultant level practice. Each level of practice has been aligned with all relevant national frameworks identified across the four nations and described in this framework.
Pillars of practice
The Framework outlines the expected capabilities across the four pillars of practice, which have been adapted from the 'Advanced Clinical Practice Frameworks' of the four home nations. The development of level appropriate knowledge and skills across each of these pillars will create well rounded professionals, and support the delivery of high quality, evidence-based services that enhance outcomes for service users.
Access the framework
There are two ways you can access and use the framework:
PDF document
You can access a PDF version of the framework which you can download and print. The PDF version includes interactive elements and links to relevant information.
Interactive tool
Easily view your current level of practice or directly compare levels of practice. The interactive tool is best viewed on desktop and larger screens.
Useful links
Further information on specific levels and areas of practice can be found in our 'Careers and Workforce' hub or by selecting a relevant option from the side bar on the left-hand side of this page. Links are also included throughout the PDF version of the framework.