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Learn in-depth about the qualifications and associations in the UK for Nutritionists and Dietitians, the dietary guidelines, and how they differ from Australian guidelines.
Qualifications & Associations
Qualifications & Associations
Step 1: Is your qualification recognised?
For Dietitians
No, the Monash's Dietetics Degree is not recognised in the UK.
To practise as a dietitian in the UK, you need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), where you will need to:
Provide your personal details;
State your qualification in the dietetic field;
State your professional experience;
State your professional registration and memberships;
Pay the scrutiny fees, and;
Make declarations.
Please refer to the website of HCPC for more information.
For Nutritionists
The Association for Nutrition (AfN) holds the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), which is recognised by Public Health England and the National Health Service (NHS).
However, as of February 2023, no information on the qualification conversion pathway of overseas trained nutritionists can be found.
Step 2: Are there any professional associations that offer support?*
Joining a country's professional association(s) is a good way to gain a better understanding of how things operate, as well as to build connections.
The membership requirements and the benefits of joining are summarised below:
The British Dietetic Association
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is open to both dietitians and nutritionists. There is no need to join to be accredited as dietitian registration is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and voluntary nutritionist registration is managed by the Association for Nutrition.
Eligibility
Full membership (for dietitians):
You are eligible if you are:
Currently registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), previously registered, and;
Covered with Professional Indemnity Insurance, and;
Pay the membership fee.
Affiliate member (for nutritionists):
You are eligible if you are:
A nutritionist who has undertaken a recognized degree in nutrition, or;
A dietitian trained overseas who is not eligible to be an International Member, or;
A UK citizen undertaking full training as a dietitian overseas, and;
Pay the membership fee.
Benefits
BDA membership provides:
(For full member) Professional Indemnity Insurance.
(For full member) Trade union support.
Access to the global online Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN) database.
Access to join the BDA branch community and gain CPD and networking opportunities with peers in the local area.
Awareness-raising Dietitians Week annual campaign.
Aiscounted attendance fees and participation in various BDA national and local events.
*The information was collected in February 2023, and is subject to change.
We had a chat with Ms. Evelyn Volders, who was a member of BDA had been practising as a paediatric dietitian in the UK and AU for many years. Here is a snapshot of suggestions of dietetic practices related to Dietetics Association, Scope of practice, social media and future trends in the UK.
Please note, any information shared by the professionals are not representative of their respective organisations, and are based purely from their personal experiences and views.
British Dietetic Association (BDA) - Ms. Evelyn Volders
Member of Dietitian Australia (DA) and ex-member of British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Senior Lecturer and Course Convenor of Dietetics in Monash University/Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (Adv APD)
PhD
Understanding the UK Dietary Guidelines
Understanding the UK Dietary Guidelines
There may be some differences between Australia's dietary guidelines and your intended country of practice.
UK's Eatwell Guide is shown below, along with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) as a comparison. Do take note of the key differences between the two guides!
Key differences compared to AGHE
Fruits and vegetables are grouped together as one food group.
Potatoes are grouped with grains and cereals as one food group.
Oil & spreads are included as one of the food groups in the infographic.
UK Dietary Guideline Information
UK Dietary Guideline Information
Last date guideline was reviewed/updated:
09/2018
Date accessed:
02/2023
Language:
Infographic available in English only
Key evidence that influence the food recommendation:
Dietary reference values
National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS)
Consumer research
Are there modified versions for certain major cultural groups?
None identified
Guiding Principles:
Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates; choosing wholegrain versions where possible
Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks); choosing lower fat and lower sugar options
Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)
Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and eat in small amounts
Foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar should be consumed infrequently and in small amounts
Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of fluid a day
The following information can also be found in the dietary guidelines:
Alcohol consumption
Free sugar and salt consumption
Saturated fat consumption
Reduced fat options for dairy
Fibre consumption
UK Serves and Serving Sizes
UK Serves and Serving Sizes
No serving size provided for most of the food groups except:
“Fruits and Vegetables” food group: 1 portion = 80g
1 medium-sized fruit
3 heaped tablespoons of vegetables
1 dessert bowl of salad
30g dried fruit
150ml fruit juice or smoothie (maximum one portion/day)
“Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins” food group: 1 portion =
140g fish
70g meat
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Modified Versions for Subpopulation Groups at Different Ages or Life Stages
The Eatwell Guide has provided specific nutrient recommendations for subpopulations, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children aged between six months and five years
Other Resources
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