Association for Nutrition (AfN)Advancing standards of evidence-based nutrition practice

Leonie Milliner, Chief Executive

AfN – who are we?

• Voluntary Regulator for Registered Nutritionists

• Our prime purpose - protection of the public

• Registered charity – public interest not private profit

• 1400 Registrants - 15% overseas

• Launched June 2010 – culmination of 30 years of professional regulation in nutrition in UK

Our Mission - statutory protection of title

• Key Strategic Aim

• Three Options – Charter, PSA & Legislation

• Protect function as well as title

• Whole workforce approach

• AfN expertise in nutrition workforce regulation 

Why Register?

• Join substantial body of like-minded professionals

• Your title –visible indication of your professional status

• Practical tools John Waterlow Reading Room Discounted subscriptions: CN, Nutrition Bulletin Google Helpouts Exclusive Professional Indemnity Insurance Regular Communications & website AfN Logo for business use

• Collective influence & inter-professional relations

• Protect the public through commitment to evidence based practice

Types of Registration

• Associate Nutritionist ANutrAssociate Nutritionists demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the five

core competencies for registration.

• Registered Nutritionist RNutr(Specialism)Registered Nutritionists demonstrate application of the core competencies for

registration in one of five specialist areas; Nutrition Science, Animal nutrition, Sports & Exercise, Food or Public Health.

• Fellow FAfNFellows are Registered Nutritionists who demonstrate a significant and

sustained national or international contribution to the furtherance of nutrition science.

Associate Nutritionist ANutr

• Direct Entry from AfN Accredited CourseWith application form, proof of ID & payment or

• Portfolio Entry Application form, CV, 2x references, covering

letter and completed competency mapping form with evidence to support application, plus proof of ID.

• Evidence should be current, brief and demonstrate competence with reference to

evidence listed in the competency mapping form. All applicants must demonstrate they are of good character.

Registered Nutritionist RNutr

• Transfer from ANutr to RNutr Application form, CV, 1x reference, covering

letter and completed competency mapping form with evidence to support application plus proof of ID. (Ideally within 3 years of graduation)

• Portfolio Entry Application form, CV, 2x references, covering

letter and completed competency mapping form with evidence to support application plus proof of ID.

ANutr to RNutr, ‘knows how’ to ‘shows how’

NHS Choices

NHS Careers

Applying for Registration

• Visit our Website All the forms, information and guidance are on the ‘Registration’ section of

the website

• Language RequirementApplications must be in English or certified translations. NARIC Certified

copies of academic qualifications.

• FeesAssociate Direct Entry £100; £80 annual renewal feeAssociate Portfolio Entry £200; £80 annual renewal feeRegistered Nutritionist Portfolio Entry £300; £125 annual renewal feeUpgrade from Associate to Registered £50

What does it mean to be a professional?

‘The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.’ Thomas Babbington Macaulay

‘Court decisions have restricted the meaning of the words “profession” and “professional” to occupations generally understood to be a profession; Factors in judging whether an occupation is generally understood to be a profession include:

- the nature and status of the activity and those engaged in it; - whether the exercise of the activity requires a qualification; - whether the persons carrying out the activity are bound by a code of conduct; - whether the activity entails having a distinctive and broad base of knowledge from which a person may subsequently diversify into specialised areas

These criteria are neither fixed nor exhaustive. This means for example that some occupations not currently regarded as professions may acquire that status in the future.’ HMRC Definition of a Profession

Standards of Ethics, Conduct & Performance

• Describes expectations for behaviour of UKVRN registrants and consists of fifteen Standards with accompanying guidance

• Contextual judgement – “knowing what to do and when”

• Application of judgement; public good v. private gain

• Applies to all Registrants & informs Fitness to Practice proceedings

Keeping up to date

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Look out for AfN Endorsed CPDShort courses, lectures, conferences & e-learning endorsed by AfN

• CPD is necessary part of being a practising professionalKeeping up to date and advancing professional knowledge

• Plan, undertake, record & reflect Up-to-date CPD records help you demonstrate your professionalism & competence

What else do we do?

• Set competence-based standards forCourse Accreditation, CPD & Course Certification

• Raise the profile of Registrants throughGovernment briefings, conferences & meetings.

• AfN Regional Network with local CPD & networking, media, & interprofessional activity

• Media Bank enabling us to respond to requests

• Work with Employers to promote employment

• Issue briefing notes and consultations

Regulating the Wider Workforce

Green are Registered Nutritionists, individuals qualified and competent in nutrition science. The UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists.

Light Green Health & Social Care Workers at Levels 3 and 4 on the Public Health Skills and Careers Framework who provide in nutrition advice to the public (health trainers, nursery nurses, community food workers, etc)

Orange Health Professionals, at Level 5+on the Public Health Skills and Careers Framework who provide in nutrition advice to the public(GP’s, Nurses, Dentists, Midwives and Pharmacists).

AfN StructureCouncil/Board of Trustees

FellowsBP&GCertification Accreditatio

n Registration

Comms & Marketing

FinanceChief

ExecutiveCertification

Registration & Accreditation

Standing Committees

Management Team

Finance Officer

Registration Officer

AfN Governance

• 14 elected trustees – volunteers

• 2 lay trustees

• Quarterly Meetings

• Annual Report & Accounts to UK Charity Commission

• 3 Honorary Officers

President – Prof Alan Jackson

Hon. Treasurer – Prof Martin Wiseman

Hon. Secretary – Dr Claire Robertson

Getting Involved

More About AfN

Association for Nutrition

@AfN_UK_

registration@associationfornutrition.orgenquiries@associationfornutrition.orgwww.associationfornutrition.orgT 020 7291 8388

l.milliner@associationfornutrition.org

Leonie Milliner, Chief Executive