Student member: Neurosciences Specialist Group

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].


Members who support my application

First member

Second member


Declaring conflicts of interest

Council has decided that it is good practice for all members who represent the BDA on outside bodies, who are completing specific pieces of work for the BDA, are executive committee members of specialist groups or members of standing committees to register any interests which may be perceived as potentially generating a conflict of interests with BDA business.

The definition of what needs to be recorded is: the interests of a member which might reasonably be thought by others to influence their actions in their capacity as a BDA member acting on behalf of the BDA. This is consistent with our Members’ Charter and the way other councils work (including the Health Professions Council).

This form will be held confidentially by the BDA Chief Executive and the Honorary Secretary. It will be completed by anyone representing the BDA externally or taking on a distinct piece of work, where the BDA thinks it appropriate that the member complete it. It may be used if a conflict of interests arises and  Council or the Investigatory Committee decides that it needs to access it.

Please complete the following details as fully as possible and declare any possible conflict of interest you may have. Click on either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to answer each question.

I confirm that the information given on this form is correct and understand that failure to disclose relevant information may result in my role representing the BDA being terminated.

I agree that the information I have provided may be disclosed to the Council or the Investigatory Committee if requested.

I acknowledge that, under the terms of my membership of the BDA, I must comply with the rules and policies of the BDA, professional Codes of Conduct and the Members’ Charter. In particular, I will ensure that:

  • I act in the best interests of the BDA
  • I uphold confidentiality and ensure that any information obtained during a visit is used solely for the purposes of the BDA and is not divulged to any person or third party.
  • I conduct myself appropriately and treat all present with equal respect.