The BDA was pleased to attend the recent session of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, where we contributed to discussions on the NHS 10-year workforce plan call for evidence.
This was the first time that BDA has been called for such an event. We comprehensively prepared to give feedback in all areas of dietetics, but focused heavily on community working, education and training, obesity and diabetic pathways, and much more.
You can watch the recording of the session here.
We weren't able to see the questions in advance. We were surprised on the broad nature of the topics and it is clear that we still have work to do in the wider public arena to promote understanding of AHPs and their value.
Our participation was valuable in several ways:
- Impactful messaging: We were able to clearly communicate the importance of dietitians in improving public health and specific condition outcomes, ensuring that the committee heard a strong, evidence-based case for the profession’s role.
- Connections made: The session provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with those working alongside policymakers and other health organisations, opening doors for future collaboration.
- Visibility of dietetics: By being present, the BDA reinforced the visibility of dietitians in national health debates, ensuring our voice is part of shaping policy.
Looking ahead:
Autumn Budget 2025
The UK Government’s Autumn Budget 2025 included a significant announcement on the development of Neighbourhood Health Centres. The government is committing 250 new centres by 2030 alongside £300million of funding for NHS technology to support staff and boost productivity. This investment has the potential to enhance local health provision and help shift care into the community.
The BDA will continue to advocate for dietitians to play a central role in this space. We see this as an important opportunity to embed dietetic expertise into community-based health services, ensuring that prevention and early intervention are at the heart of care.
Next steps
The BDA will build on this engagement by:
- Monitoring and analysing the NHS 10 year workforce plan once released.
- Monitoring the implementation of Neighbourhood Health Centres.
- Advocating to ensure dietetic services are included in commissioning and policy frameworks.
- Continuing to provide evidence to parliamentary committees and government consultations.
Latest updates:
Committee calls for greater professional equity and much more for AHPs in neightbourhood delivery and NHS 10 year Workforce Plan
Following on from our visit to give oral evidence, the committee have produced a letter on delivering neighbourhood health and the NHS 10 year workforce plan. AHPs must be given a stronger voice and clearer career pathways in the NHS, according to the Health and Social Care Committee. In its letter to Karin Smith MP, Minister of State for Health, the Committee warned that AHPs remain undervalued despite their critical role in delivering neighbourhood health services.
Why It Matters
AHPs are central to integrated care models. Yet evidence presented to the Committee revealed:
- Limited leadership opportunities: Few AHPs progress into senior roles within trusts, local authorities, or commissioning bodies.
- No clear pipeline: Attendees described a “glass ceiling” for AHPs, with no structured route to leadership positions.
- Impact on patient care: Without AHP representation in decision-making, the full potential of these professions to improve outcomes is not realised.
Committee Recommendations
The forthcoming NHS 10-Year Workforce Plan should:
- Establish dedicated leadership development programmes for AHPs.
- Create opportunities for AHPs to influence commissioning and system-level decisions.
- Recognise the breadth of skills across the 14 allied health professions and embed them in neighbourhood health delivery.
Next Steps
Read the letter and more here.
The Government is expected to respond by 30 January 2026. We will keep you updated with the response here, and on our socials and e-zines.
