BDA Specialist Groups: Exploring what is available for students Nualtra: Dietitian Cafe #RD2B

In this episode, we will explore the benefits of joining the British Dietetic Association, how it can support students and prospects once qualified, and in particular all about the specialist groups that are available to join. So today, we're delighted to be joined by 3 guests: Kyle Kennedy BDA student representative, Gillian Farren Vice-Chairperson of the board of directors of the BDA and Emma Brighton BDA Membership Manager to give us more information on how the BDA can support your learning journey.

Kyle Kennedy is a third-year Human Nutrition and Dietetics student studying at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). He is the BDA Student representative for 2023/2024, Secretary for the BDA Public Health Specialist Group, Communications Representative for the Nutrition Society (Student Section), President of the GCU Dietetics Society, and on the School Board for the School of Health and Life Sciences at GCU as Department Representative for Occupational Therapy, Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Kyle is a passionate advocate for students and is currently working on his 3 aims as BDA Student Representative: identifying financial, geographical, and educational barriers for students who want to go into dietetics; ensuring that all BDA student members have equal access to BDA related extracurricular events; and increasing awareness of the profession. He has also written two Public Health Nutrition articles for the BDA.


Gillian is a registered dietitian, based in East Ayrshire, Scotland, who is passionate about all things food-related. Gillian is registered with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Qualifying with a BSc (Hum. Nut. & Diet.) from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, in 1998, Gillian has chalked up a comprehensive range of experience in over two decades as a practising dietitian. Her experience and research interests extend across the specialisms of neurology, acquired brain injury, mental health and wellbeing, inherited metabolic disorders, endocrinology, weight management and sports performance, having also held specialist posts in maternal and early years nutrition earlier in her career. Throughout her career, Gillian has enjoyed opportunities to share her work and achievements at events hosted within and outside the field of Dietetics, both nationally and internationally. Gillian’s current role within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is Professional Lead for Dietetics, and alongside this, Gillian is Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the British Dietetic Association.

Emma Brighton is the Membership Manager at the British Dietetic Association and has been in her role now for around a year and a half. Her main responsibilities include leading on engagement activities to continue the BDA's high levels of member satisfaction and to drive growth of membership across all levels from students to experienced professionals in the field of dietetics and nutrition. Her role is also responsible for overseeing the recruitment and retention of BDA members, ensuring that their offering meets their respective needs and remains inclusive to all within the wider dietetic community throughout every step of their career.

Show Notes:
Kyle’s Socials:
Twitter: KyleKennedyRD2B
Instagram: KyleKennedyRD2B
LinkedIn: Kyle Kennedy


Gillian’s Socials:
Instagram: theartfuldietitian
Twitter: FarrenGillian
TikTok: theartfuldietitian


Emma’s Socials:
LinkedIn: Emma Brighton