If you would like to be nominated for this role, please complete your details below and we will be in touch to discuss next steps.
Aims and Objectives of the Specialist Group
- Develop and promote a professional specialism within dietetics
- Represent a defined group of members
- To keep Dietitians up-to-date on Paediatric Dietetics as appropriate
- To provide support when requested and able to members and outside bodies on paediatric nutrition
- To raise the profile of Paediatric Dietitians
- To be pro-active in engaging with outside bodies involved in childhood nutrition
- To continue running the Group’s Paediatric Masters Course Modules as both Masters modules with Plymouth University
- To audit our caseloads to provide information on caseload level management.
- To increase links with Department of Health, Food Standards Agency, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal college of midwives, Royal College of Nursing, Community practitioners and Health Visitors association, UNICEF and other relevant bodies
- To help fund activities within the Paediatric Group e.g. development of resources, running courses, support for research and audit
- To organise one study day per year
- To help keep members up to date via newsletter, website (discussion forum), Twitter and any other relevant social media platforms
- To continue updating and printing Paediatric Group leaflets with relevant groups and organisations
- To devise guidelines and position statements as relevant and keep a record with review dates
- To produce responses to relevant topical issues and consultations in a timely and constructive way
- To finance any work of the Group to develop paediatric dietetics
- To promote our diet sheets within the U.K. by attending conferences and advertising
- To encourage engagement of group membership to share in promotion of our profession and group
- To foster similar working relationships with all companies supplying paediatric nutritional products whilst working in partnership where appropriate to inform members and develop new products.
What the role has to offer
As the specialist group Communications Officer, you will work closely with the committee to collate content for specialist group communications channels. Using your knowledge of hot topics, strategic developments and practice you’ll work across the committee and membership to create and coordinate relevant content for these valued member resources.
You’ll work with the committee to develop an overview of the strategic developments affecting the specialist group from both within the BDA and externally to the profession. Using your knowledge and skills to represent specialist group members interests, advocate for the specialism and the dietetic profession as a whole.
We don’t expect you to do it alone, as Communications Officer you’ll work closely with the specialist group committee and with the support of the BDA staff team to deliver your specialist group aims and objectives.
Through this position you will gain organisation, communication and project management skills, which can translate directly into career development. It will also give you an opportunity to work with colleagues across your specialty, building networks, sharing knowledge and skills.
Main tasks and responsibilities
-
Management of the group mailbox and coordination of responses
-
Management of all group communications to go out to members via the BDA web team
-
Responsibility for monthly newsletters to members
-
Liaison with events and social media team to advertise and promote PSG study day/clinical mastermind/webinars
-
Involvement in the process of research bursary and awards
-
Ability to support social media team where needed
Training, support and resources
As the Communications Officer you’ll work with Volunteer Manager who offers support, guidance and advice to the postholder. Support for this role is offered by key committee members including the Chair, Social Media Officer and Website Editor who work as a team to set strategy, determine priorities and lead the committee to success.
We have a variety of resources, tools and training available to support this role including:
- Full induction with BDA staff and a full handover from the previous postholder.
- Training and development opportunities to help build personal and professional skills including workshops, webinars and the BDA’s annual volunteer conference.
- Access to our volunteer handbook and volunteer hub providing a range of resources and guidance.
- Regular communications including a monthly volunteer ezine with BDA updates and opportunities.
- Networking with other volunteers through events, webinars and access to our volunteer forums.
Length of service and commitment
Committee meetings are held up to four times a year (mandatory attendance to at least two of four meetings), plus a varying ad-hoc meetings and flexible amount of work in between times. The group aims to hold one study day (in-person or virtual) event which includes the Annual General Meeting and three webinars for members each year. The Events Officer is elected to the role for a two year term of office and should serve no more than two consecutive terms of office. However you can give reasonable notice to end your volunteering if you are no longer able to fulfil your role.
Recruitment method
To apply for this role please submit a nomination form. Nominees must be a member of the group and provide the names and signatories of two BDA members to support their nomination.
If you would like an informal, confidential discussion about the role and the nomination process, please contact Bahee, the Chair of the group, at [email protected].