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 Group
- To provide a network for dietitians and other members of the BDA who work within or have an interest in neurosciences to share expertise, knowledge and service developments
- To influence national policy and guidance with respect to nutrition and long-term neurological conditions on behalf of the BDA, and prepare consensus statements. This will be carried out using robust evidence-based practice
- To provide an environment for dietitians and other health care professionals to support their training and education through study days, newsletters, meetings and publications in association with the BDA CED
- To facilitate original research and audit amongst group members and promote the sharing of results and findings at a regional and national level. This includes conferences and in peer reviewed journals
- Support the development of resources such as newsletters, standards, guidance or patient information on the nutritional management of long-term neurological conditions
- Provide an annual bursary (where available) to support a member and committee member to undertake CPD in relation to the nutritional management of long-term neurological conditions in the acute and community setting, and share this with members of the group and the wider BDA membership. This will be dependent on sufficient funds being available
- On behalf of the BDA, to respond to enquiries from the media and other organisations with respect to the nutritional management of long-term neurological conditions
What the post has to offer
As a Student Member, you will work with the committee to represent student members, learn new skills and support the successful delivery of projects, education and networking for specialist group members. You’ll have a particularly important role in providing views and perspectives of BDA student members, getting involved in projects of interest and promoting the work of the committee to students.
We don’t expect you to do it alone, you’ll work closely with the specialist group committee and with the support of the BDA staff team. This role offers the opportunity to network and learn from established committee members and dietitians to help you develop skills in key areas.
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 network with dietitians across the BDA, building networks, sharing knowledge and skills.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Support the committee in delivery of group projects.
- Work closely with the BDA’s Volunteer Manager, seeking advice and guidance where needed.
- Learn from committee members with specific portfolios, getting involved and leading on specific projects as required.
- Undertake specific duties as agreed with the committee e.g., social media, work on specific projects and tasks.
- Represent the views and perspectives of BDA student members.
- Promote the specialism to students, including the promotion of events, resources and webinars.
Training Support and Resources
for this role is offered by key committee members including the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer 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.
- Committee leadership training to help build skills in strategy and governance.
- 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
Depending on where you are with your studies you will be elected for a one to two-year term of office. There is the option to extend for an additional term or to transition into a new committee role as you progress in your career. We hope that reasonable notice would be given if you are no longer able to fulfil this role, as we appreciate that circumstances can change.
There are a number of training and development opportunities available, including a detailed induction with BDA staff and governance training to be undertaken upon commencement of each term.
Committee meetings are held regularly and can be attended virtually if required. There is a varying and flexible amount of work in between meetings which is dependent on the strategy, workplans and projects agreed to by the committee.
Appointment method
To apply for this role please submit a nomination form by 27 May. Nominees must be a member of the group (free to student members) 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 Samantha at [email protected].