The BDA is aware of growing concern among dietetic learners, new graduates and educators about the availability of Band 5 dietetic roles across the NHS. We want to reassure members that supporting the dietetic workforce is a priority for us and we are taking a series of coordinated actions to understand what is happening and to influence national decision-making.
Tracking the workforce data
We are closely monitoring trends in our workforce data to understand whether reductions in Band 5 roles are occurring and if so, where.
We already hold the full 2025 dataset and will shortly begin collating and analysing the 2026 data to provide a direct comparison. This will help us determine the scale of the issue, whether the issue is concentrated in regions, limited to England or emerging across all four nations.
This evidence base is essential for influencing national workforce planning, policy and ensuring the profession's concerns are taken seriously.
Preparing to respond to the NHS England Workforce Plan
We are awaiting the publication of NHS England's long-anticipated workforce plan. As soon as it is released, we are ready to respond publicly and directly, highlighting the need for commitment to entry-level roles and a sustained pipeline into the profession.
Raising the issue at national level
We have already made the case for adequate Band 5 provision in our recent evidence to the Health & Social Care Select Committee Inquiry. In that submission, we emphasised that without sufficient entry-level roles, the NHS risks undermining its own ambitions for prevention, long-term condition management and community-based care.
Supporting members entering the workforce
We encourage members to apply for Band 6 as well as Band 5 roles and to request these be offered as development posts. We are considering how best to reflect this in our guidance to members and employers.
Encouraging political advocacy
Where members are struggling to secure their first NHS role, we encourage you to raise this with your local MP. A strong message from constituents helps highlight the disconnect between the NHS's stated commitment to prevention and the lack of investment in the workforce needed to deliver it. Members can use our political engagement toolkit to support this.
Tell us what you are experiencing
Your experiences matter. Please complete our short survey about your experience of securing a dietetic role. This information directly informs our national influencing work and strengthens our case with government, NHS leaders and workforce planners.
The survey will close on 31 July 2026.
You can also contact us by email: [email protected] with the subject heading FAO: EPP