Thank you for considering a volunteer role with the specialist group committee. You can find more information about the role, support available, and the nomination process below.
Aims and Objectives of the Group
- Develop and promote a professional specialism within dietetics.
- Represent a defined group of members.
- To provide a forum through which members can network and share ideas, information, good practice and expertise
- To support members in accessing a range of appropriate professional development activities and opportunities for planetary health nutrition practice, and where appropriate to advocate for this provision
- To promote high standards of practice in the field of planetary health nutrition and sustainability in all areas of dietetics
- To be an effective champion for planetary health nutrition and sustainability within and behalf of the BDA, by identifying priority issues and themes that the network can promote, raising debate and discussion among BDA members, and shaping BDA policy, position statements and press releases
- To contribute expert advice to the BDA in responding to national policy and professional development issues, including access to expert leads on specific topics
- To link with BDA specialist groups and other groups in promoting planetary health nutrition and sustainability
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
Support for this role is offered by key committee members including the Chair, Vice 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
You will be elected for a two-year term of office and have the option to extend for an additional two-year term. Reasonable notice can be given if you are no longer able to fulfil this role.
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 4 times a year, one of which will be in person. 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.
The specialist group holds a minimum of one event for members a year which includes the Annual General Meeting, it is typical for the committee to attend these events.
Appointment method
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 Tanya at [email protected]