The BDA is aware that the NHS national job profiles for dietetics have not been updated since Agenda for Change was introduced in 2004. These national profiles form a core part of the Agenda for Change job evaluation scheme, ensuring consistency in how roles are graded across the NHS. They describe commonly occurring roles so that local job descriptions can be matched against agreed criteria to determine the correct pay band.
At present, there are no dedicated dietetic profiles for Band 4 support workforce roles or for Band 8a and above. In November 2025, we asked members to share examples of how this gap was affecting recruitment and job matching. The volume and strength of responses made it clear that this is creating significant challenges across services.
In response, the BDA undertook a focused piece of work with members to gather robust evidence demonstrating the need to update the dietetic job profile family. We would like to thank everyone who contributed job descriptions and completed job analysis questionnaires for the missing profiles - your input has been invaluable.
This evidence has now been submitted to the Job Evaluation Group (JEG) for consideration. We have received very positive feedback on the quality and clarity of the material provided. JEG will now review the evidence and determine whether updates to the profiles will be taken forward. Early discussions suggest that if profiles are not updated, this is likely to reflect a broader shift in JEG's strategic direction rather than any concerns about the evidence or the need identified by the profession.
It is important to recognise that job matching is a complex area, with both local and national capacity challenges. These pressures make it difficult for the system to keep pace with the growing number of new and evolving roles across the NHS.
What members can do now
Regardless of JEG's final decision, there are several actions we encourage members to take:
- Continue to share examples of job matching issues affecting recruitment, retention or service development. Please email us using the subject heading FAO ERP Team at: [email protected]
- Encourage colleagues in the NHS to undertake job matching training and participate in panels. This is particularly relevant for BDA Trade Union Representatives, who play a key role in ensuring fair and consistent matching outcomes. Further information is available here. You can find out more about becoming a BDA Rep on our trade union webpages or email [email protected].
This work has taken many years and has only been possible because of the commitment and expertise of BDA members. Thank you to everyone who has supported this important piece of work.