British Dietetic Association (BDA) Country Board Constitution

01 Jul 2019

Aims (Terms of Reference)

In accordance with the BDA Articles of Association and the By-Laws the overall aim of the country boards is:-

To lead the profession in each respective country by:

  1. Identifying areas of policy or care pathways where dietitians can make a difference and actively influencing decision makers and promoting the role of the dietitian and the dietetic profession
  2. Being the expert voice of the BDA, the dietetic profession and nutrition and dietetics in the country
  3. Leading the BDA and the profession and influencing relevant public policy or national strategies on health and social care
  4. Engaging with external stakeholders and cross-border organisations, lobbying parliament / assembly / government where appropriate, responding to relevant public consultations.
  5. Assisting (with interpretation relevant to each Country) in the implementation of UK-wide BDA strategies and other key policies, such as the Chairman’s theme.
  6. To communicate effectively with BDA members in each respective Country

By doing 1 – 6 above, the country board will enable the profession to grow and strengthen in each respective country.

Key functions of the country board

A. Identify the key stakeholders in the country

B. Engage with the stakeholders that are relevant to the country board activity and ensure that there is BDA representation on, at and in key stakeholder committees, events and meetings

C. Take every opportunity to promote the dietetic profession to stakeholders within the country

D. Develop a work plan each year for the following year that states the 3 main objectives for work by each respective Country Board. The work plan must be in line with the BDA Strategic Plan and other four country BDA activities

E. Deliver the work plan objectives during the year

F. Report on achievements and outcomes from the workplan

G. Keep abreast of changes happening on the horizon that have an actual or potential impact on the profession and its workforce in that country i.e.

  1. The national, political environment and parliamentary/assembly activity
  2. Government policy and legislation
  3. The way in which health and social care are provided
  4. NHS Strategic direction and key policy drivers
  5. Developments in dietetic practice
  6. The requirements for dietitians and dietetic support workers
  7. The provision of higher education and developments in the ways in which it is possible to qualify as a dietitian
  8. The provision of medical nutrition products
  9. Developments in food and drink policy, its provision and its manufacture
  10. Activity in the media including social media
  11. Interactions with external stakeholders
  12. Food, nutrition and dietetic policy activities of the other three UK nations 

The aims are reviewed at least bi-annually to establish whether the Board is still ‘Fit for Purpose’ and adjusted/updated accordingly.  Updates and amends to the Terms of Reference need to go to a Board of Directors meeting – Agenda B – for endorsement.