After a tumultuous few years for the UK’s healthcare system, many dietitians are eager to return to the frontlines and help tackle the mounting health challenges facing the nation. With the NHS struggling to meet the demand for its services, the return of experienced dietitians would provide a vital boost to the workforce, benefiting both service users and the healthcare system as a whole.
By bringing their skills and expertise back to the NHS, dietitians are playing a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and relieving the pressure on healthcare resources and staffing levels. As well as supporting patients with nutritional advice, dietitians also advise on wider public health initiatives, such as healthy eating campaigns and developing sustainable food policies. By utilising their unique skills and expertise, dietitians can make a real and significant difference in the health and wellbeing of communities across the UK.
For some, returning to practice may feel like a daunting prospect after an extended absence from dietetics. However, with the right support and training, dietitians can quickly consolidate and build on their existing skills and support within a range of clinical settings. Returning to practice can come with its own set of challenges, including keeping up to date with the latest research and adjusting to new technologies and working practices. To help address these challenges, the British Dietetic Association has developed a range of resources to support returning dietitians as part of their wider Workforce Development Strategy.
In this article, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities facing dietitians looking to return to practice and the support and resources available to help make the transition as straightforward as possible.
Return to practice HCPC criteria
For dietitians who have taken a break from their professional practice, the process of returning to work can seem unclear. Unlike for our nursing colleagues, there is no one set route to return to practice; understandably, this lack of clarity can be a barrier for some. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has set out criteria to help guide dietitians through this process. The HCPC’s criteria require that returning dietitians complete a period of supervised practice, during which they will be supported by a designated supervisor. In addition to this, returning dietitians must also complete a set number of hours of continuing professional development (CPD), which is designed to update their knowledge and skills in line with current best practices.
The return top requirements set by the HCPC are as follows:
- 0 to 2 years out of practice – no requirements
- 2 to 5 years out of practice – 30 days of updating or 210 hours
- 5 or more years out of practice - 60 days of updating or 420 hours
At least half of these hours must be made up of supervised practice or formal study through a recognised institute or professional body such as a university module or an accredited course. Once these criteria have been met, returning dietitians can apply to have their registration with the HCPC reinstated. This process involves completing an application form and providing evidence of meeting the HCPC’s criteria, including evidence of supervised practice and CPD. Once the application has been approved, the dietitian will be able to practise once again as a registered healthcare professional.
Routes to return to practice
Registered dietitians in the UK can return to the profession by following several routes. The first option is to complete a return to practice course specifically designed to update knowledge and skills. This course may cover topics such as current dietary guidelines, nutritional assessment and the latest research in the field.
There are two specific return to practice courses available in England which meet the criteria set out by the HCPC for both independent learning and supervised practice. Coventry University and Birmingham City University, in conjunction with Health Education England, are piloting courses aimed at allied health professionals looking to return to practice. Both courses are accessible online from any location in the UK. They offer mentoring and virtual placements and can be completed over a period of 12 months. Both courses are currently free to dietitians based in England and looking to return to the profession in England only. More details about the courses can be accessed at:
An alternative route is to engage in supervised practice, which involves working under the guidance of an experienced dietitian for a set period within a dietetic department; this can be either paid or voluntary.
Some dietetic departments are advertising return to practice via NHS Jobs as a way to encourage experienced dietitians to join their workforce while they complete the necessary upskilling to gain registration. This allows returning dietitians to refresh their skills and confidence before returning to independent practice.
Finally, some dietitians may choose to undertake further training or education, such as pursuing a postgraduate degree in a relevant field or attending conferences and workshops to stay up to date with the latest research and developments. Regardless of the route they choose, returning dietitians can be assured that many flexible options are available to help them re-enter dietetics with confidence and success.
The opportunities, financial support and resources available to dietitians about returning to practice vary across all four nations within the UK.
Return to Practice resources and information within your nation
- England: Return to practice specific courses, placement opportunities and financial information can be found on the Health Education Return to Practice website.
- Scotland: Return to practice within Scotland involves contacting your local health board directly. Further information can be found by contacting NHS Scotland. Currently there is no financial support available to returnees in Scotland. Learn more. NHS Scotland has created a private Facebook group to provide peer support for those thinking about or involved in (AHP) return to practice. It is for those with AHP qualifications thinking about registering or returning to practice, those who have completed the return to practice requirements and for supervisors and other roles supporting return to practice. More details can be found via the Facebook.
- Wales: Specific guidance for return to practice in Wales and how to access financial support can be found via NHS Wales.
- Northern Ireland: No specific information in Northern Ireland is available in supporting AHPs to return to practice at this time.
Financial support
There is some financial support available to dietitians wishing to return to practice. The exact financial support available may vary based on individual circumstances, including the type of return to practice course being taken, the individual’s current employment status, and other factors. Funding available is nation-specific and currently only available for returnees in England and Wales.
In summary, the BDA recognises that bringing experienced dietitians back into the profession invigorates the NHS workforce and enhances diversity within specialist professions. Returnees increase the dietetic resource and, as such, promotes better patient care. However, it is recognised that there is a disparity across the four nations regarding financial support and resources available to dietitians returning to practice at this time.
As a driver to increase awareness of return to practice, Health Education England commissioned the BDA to undertake a project looking at their current provision of resources and materials available in supporting dietitians to return to practice. The BDA recognises it can be a valuable resource for dietitians who are considering returning to practice after a period of absence.
As a result of the project, the BDA has developed a range of resources to help dietitians refresh their knowledge, update their skills and gain confidence in their abilities. These resources include signposting to e-learning courses, webinars, guidance documents and professional networks.
The BDA also provides access to a range of clinical resources and professional development opportunities that can help dietitians stay up to date with the latest developments in their speciality as part of their membership. The BDA appreciates that in the current financial climate supporting returnees to return to practice is crucial in developing the future dietetic workforce and supporting experienced dietitians back to practice. Overall, the BDA can play an important role in helping dietitians successfully return to practice and achieve their professional goals. More information and resources can be found on the BDA return to practice webpages at bda.uk.com/ReturnToPractice