As a member of the dietetic workforce it is important you understand your personal responsibilities in practice; how you are accountable for the interventions you provide and how to provide good care. There are a number of different codes of conduct by which you are governed, details are provided below.
BDA Code of Professional Conduct
The Code of Professional Conduct applies to all BDA members who may be dietitians, members of the support workforce and dietetic learners, and applies to all the roles and settings in which they work. It sets out the high standards of behaviour required of BDA members and provides a governance framework to ensure the accountability of those who work in the interest of public safety at all times. Members have an obligation to adhere to the standards within this Code.
In addition to this, the code provides a set of professional principles that apply to the wider dietetic workforce, which will provide support and help to make informed choices when faced with ethical and professional dilemmas.
If you are dietitian who is a member of the BDA, and also the SENR, you must also ensure you adhere to the SENR Code of Professional Conduct.
BDA Social Media Guidance for members
This guidance helps members to effectively navigate joining social conversations whilst maintaining your professionalism. It includes guidance for members on using various platforms, practical tips and hints on professional approaches to using social media, branding guidance for groups and branches and information about product endorsements and ads.
Find out more on using social media.
NHS Trusts and Health Boards
Each NHS Trust and Health Board across the UK will have a code of conduct which will apply to all employees (permanent and temporary), consultants and contractors, agency staff and any other individuals working or acting on their behalf. You should ensure you have read and understand this, and that you adhere to it at all times.
NHS Managers
The Code of Conduct for NHS Managers 2002 sets out the core standards of conduct expected of NHS managers. It was introduced to:
- guide NHS managers and employing health bodies in the work they do and the decisions and choices they have to make
- reassure the public that these important decisions are being made against a background of professional standards and accountability
Support Workforce
There are also specific codes of conduct guidance for the support workforce, which vary by country. Each of these outline the standards, behaviours and attitudes expected of members of the support workforce:
- England: Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers
- Scotland: Mandatory Induction Standards and Code of Conduct
- Wales: Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers
Please note: there may be additional codes of conduct relevant to your area of practice which are not listed above. It is your responsibility to ensure you have an awareness of these, and that you are adhering to them within your practice.