Kyle Kennedy, BDA Student Rep 2023/24, thanks dietetic students for their support

My term as Student Representative for the BDA has come to a close. And I firstly want to say thank you. Thank you to all of the students who elected me to be their voice and representative for the UK. It has been the greatest privilege to occupy this role, and it is thanks to all of you.

I hope that I have supported you, made a difference in your journey as a dietetic student, and added value to your BDA Student Membership experience. In this role, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that I have created value for UK dietetic students and made a tangible difference to your BDA Student Membership experience.

Here's a summary of what I have achieved in the last year:

1.  I have spoken to students digitally and in person, answering questions/sign-posting, and promoting what the BDA offers you as students. For example; You can join two BDA specialist groups for free, access to PEN, You can join BDA Conversations webinars, you have access to student webinars, student events, You will receive a digital copy of Dietetics Today (BDA’s monthly magazine), and have access to BDA mental health resources.
2. I have joined several different working groups: The Student Experience Working Group, The Common Assessment Tool for Practice-Based Learning Working Group, and The Model and Process Working Group to ensure that the student voice was represented at every stage.
3. Spoken on podcasts. For example, I was part of the Nualtra podcast, giving a detailed discussion on what specialist groups offer and what value they have for students.
4. Worked with universities to ensure that new students are equipped with the information on what BDA Student Membership offers, my journey and experience in applying for the BDA Student Representative Role, and advice on practice-based learning (placements) and studying at university. For example, I have been interviewed by Queen Margaret University Dietetic Lead.
5. Attended BDA Board Meetings to ensure that your voices were heard at a strategic level.
6. Shared and interacted with students on social media to promote opportunities that add value to your experiences as dietetic students and support you to have an advantage in job applications.
7. Recorded monthly videos of my progress and updates on BDA campaigns/events that students can join and be involved in to add value to your experience as a dietetic student.
8. Interviewed the BDA Director of Public Affairs, which is available as a video, to ensure students were kept up to date and confident about the political landscape and how they can get involved supporting the BDA about issues around nutrition and dietetics at a political level.
9. Attended BDA Scotland Board meetings and BDA England Board meetings to ensure that the student voice was heard when making decisions on events and student engagement activities.
10. Showcased important days that celebrate your hard work as dietetic students. For example, writing a blog for volunteering, highlighting its importance and celebrating dietetic student volunteers across the UK.