As I step down after six fulfilling years as Chair of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together. It has been an incredible privilege to serve in this role and to work alongside such passionate, dedicated, and inspiring professionals. Looking back, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved as a community, and I’d like to share some key highlights.
Governance changes
You will recall that during my tenure, one of the key changes I oversaw was the transition from a system of elected directors to that of appointed directors which was one feature of an overall governance restructure. This move was made to enhance the effectiveness and strategic direction of the Board by ensuring we could attract individuals with the specific skills, experience and expertise needed to meet the evolving needs of the association. By moving to an appointments process, we were able to select directors who bring not only a deep understanding of the dietetic profession but also experience and acumen of working in governance, financial, and leadership roles in a variety of sectors and we were able to fill all of our seats compared to a previous picture of holding significant numbers of vacancies. This change has strengthened our governance structure; we are more resilient, forward-thinking, and better positioned to navigate the increasingly complex and nuanced health landscape.
This journey isn’t over – there continues to be work to do, but we have made a great start and I am immensely proud of how the changes are making a difference toward creating a stronger association.
Strengthening our professional voice
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve elevated the role of dietitians in shaping public health policy and condition-focused health provision. From local councils to Parliament, and on the international stage, the BDA has been at the forefront of conversations on nutrition, health, and food systems. We’ve made sure that the voice of dietitians is not only heard but respected in decision-making spaces that influence the nation’s health.
Through our advocacy work, we’ve raised the profile of our profession and reinforced the value of evidence-based practice in addressing health challenges. We have encouraged and nurtured leadership specifically from within specialist areas of practice and research, so that we have the highest level of expertise advocating and lobbying on behalf of the association, members, the public and our patients.
Our active volunteers number over 10% of our membership – and that’s just the practitioners that the association has active support from. Our volunteer numbers continue to grow through the brilliant work being undertaken in specialist groups, sub-groups, branches and events and I never cease to be amazed by the individuals who quietly but steadfastly continue to promote their profession and the work of their colleagues through social media, in local schools, parent groups, careers events, health promotion and disease prevention activities, to name just a few. A great reminder that the association is our members.
Championing diversity and inclusion
Promoting diversity and inclusion has been a personal priority during my tenure. We have made a concerted effort to ensure that our leadership, committees, and membership reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. By launching initiatives to improve representation, we’ve taken steps toward making the BDA a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background. This remains an ongoing effort; there is much still to do, and I would like to encourage all members to participate in these developments as we progress. I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in creating a more representative, equitable profession and hopefully in cultivating a sense of belonging for all members.
Professional development and support
The growth and development of our members have always been central to our mission, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in expanding opportunities for education and professional support. From new digital resources and webinars to enhanced leadership opportunities, we’ve worked hard to ensure that every member of the workforce, no matter where they are in their career, has access to the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.
I’ve been particularly pleased to see the development of pathways that support the transition from student to professional, and from practitioner to leader. Our recently instated Professional Committee, which reports directly to the Board of Directors, will further support development opportunities, strategic goals and guide and inform the Board and the office staff and executive.
Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic
Leading the BDA through the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly one of the most difficult periods of my tenure. However, it was also one of the times I felt most proud of our profession. The way our workforce stepped up—whether on the frontlines in hospitals, supporting vulnerable communities, or rapidly adapting to new ways of working—was nothing short of inspiring. During this time, we prioritised member support, providing resources and guidance to help navigate the shifting landscape. The resilience and commitment of our members shone through, proving that the dietetic workforce is truly essential in healthcare at all levels.
A four nations approach
As an organisation that serves the dietetic workforce across the UK, we’ve worked hard to adopt a four nations approach, recognising the distinct needs and healthcare systems in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. Ensuring that we are inclusive of the voices and concerns from all regions has been a key part of our strategy, and I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built with stakeholders in each of these nations.
We have re-invigorated the role of all four of the country boards, and ensured that the liaison between them, the membership and the office team and Board of Directors has been reinforced. This approach has strengthened our advocacy efforts and helped ensure that our members across the UK feel equally supported.
The trade union
I have always been a strong advocate for the work of our trade union. In fact, my first volunteer role with the association, over 20 years ago, was as a local rep. As Chair my passion has not dwindled and I continue to recognise and celebrate the vital role the union plays in protecting and advancing the rights of our members.
Being a member of a profession focused union provides the best protection for professionals and we continue to work with TUNEC (the BDA Trade Union National Executive Committee) to strengthen our position, including ensuring that all staff and reps are working in a way commensurate with ever increasingly complex legal frameworks.
Throughout my tenure, I worked closely, and encouraged the Board to support the union to ensure that the voices of our workforce were heard on key issues such as fair pay, working conditions, and professional recognition and protections for those working in non-NHS sectors such as higher education and industry.
I supported the union’s efforts to ensure that the BDA remained committed to advocating for the workforce, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that a strong, empowered workforce is essential to the success of our profession, and I’m proud of the collaborative achievements we have made in supporting our members through the union.
Looking to the future
I had the opportunity to play a key role in shaping and influencing the BDA’s Strategic Plan. My focus was on ensuring that the plan aligned with the evolving needs of both the profession and the wider health landscape. By prioritising areas such as public health advocacy, professional development, and diversity and inclusion, we have ensured that the BDA was not only responding to current challenges but also proactively positioning itself for future growth.
As I pass the baton to new leadership, I’m confident that the BDA is in great hands and poised for continued growth and success. We have built a strong foundation for the future, one that is innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking. The work we’ve done over the past six years has positioned the BDA as a leader in the health and nutrition space, and I know that the incoming leadership will take this even further.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the members, volunteers, staff, partners and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the BDA during my time as Chair. It has been an absolute honour to serve you and to witness the impact the dietetic workforce is making every day. While I may be stepping down from this role, I remain deeply committed to our profession and will continue to support the BDA in any way I can.
Here’s to the next chapter of the BDA’s journey—together, we can continue to make a difference.
Warm regards,
Caroline Bovey
Previous Chair, British Dietetic Association