President's Message
Dr Nick Thompson, BAPEN President
As we move through the midpoint of 2025, BAPEN’s calendar continues to fill with activity – from flagship events and new educational offerings to opportunities to share your voice. With our membership growing year-on-year, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Vacancy: BAPEN President Elect
I’m pleased to share that applications are now open for the role of BAPEN President Elect – a unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of our organisation and champion the importance of nutritional care across the UK.
This honorary post is a vital part of BAPEN’s leadership structure. The successful candidate will work closely alongside me over the coming year, gaining insight and building connections before stepping into the role of President following our Annual Conference in November 2026.
As President, you’ll have the chance to represent BAPEN across national forums, lead key initiatives and support collaboration across our membership and Core Groups. We’re looking for a BAPEN member with healthcare experience, a commitment to improving nutritional care and the leadership qualities to help guide our organisation into the future.
If that sounds like you – or someone you know – please do consider applying. You’re also very welcome to get in touch with me directly at Nick.Thompson@nhs.net if you’d like to find out more. Applications should be submitted to the BAPEN Office by 5pm on Monday 29th August 2025.
Home Artificial Nutrition (HAN) Week
Next week marks HAN Week 2025, led by our Core Group, PINNT. Now in its 30th year, this campaign raises awareness of the essential role artificial nutrition plays for hundreds of adults and children across the UK.
This year’s theme – Going Greener? – asks us to consider how we can deliver nutritional care in more sustainable ways, while continuing to champion the voices of those living with artificial nutrition. Whether you’re working in the field or living with HAN yourself, we’d love for you to join the conversation – share your experiences, highlight the challenges and support the incredible work PINNT continues to lead. Find out more via the PINNT website.
BAPEN Connect
Our BAPEN Connect Clinical Nutrition webinar series continues to grow – offering engaging, bitesize learning sessions on a range of timely and practical nutrition topics. A reminder that these monthly webinars are free to attend and open to everyone, with recordings available on-demand for BAPEN members – another benefit of being a BAPEN member!
Earlier this month, we were pleased to host our latest session on Screening & Assessment – a vital area of practice where early intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes. Thank you to everyone who joined us live; for those who couldn’t make it, the session is now available to watch via the BAPEN member portal. Looking ahead, our next webinar is scheduled for Wednesday 17th September, with a focus on Paediatrics.
We’re also inviting feedback via a short survey on the BAPEN website – whether it’s a topic suggestion, a speaker recommendation, or a recent paper that’s sparked discussion in your team, we’d love to hear from you. This is your platform too – shaped by your interests, insights, and ideas.
BAPEN Annual Conference 2025
The countdown is on for BAPEN Annual Conference 2025 – and with just a month left to access early bird rates, now’s the time to secure your place, we have reduced registration rates for nurses, dietitians and other AHPs. Our flagship, multi-disciplinary event returns this 11th & 12th November with another exciting programme, covering clinical innovation, research, and the big questions shaping our specialty. Learn more about what we have in store on the website. This year the BAPEN Masterclass on 10th November is free for those who are attending at least one day of the Conference.
BAPEN Edgbaston Course
Finally, following the success of our Edgbaston Course earlier this year, we’re pleased to confirm that the event will return in 2026, taking place from 18th–20th May. The three-day programme offers a fantastic opportunity to strengthen teamworking and clinical practice through shared learning. If you're interested in attending, do start building your team now. With 4–6 team members required per group, early preparation will help you get the most from this course. Keep a close eye on the website for more details to come. The course is fully funded by BAPEN – you will just need to get funding to travel and for accommodation.
Best wishes,
Nick
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