Following on from the appointment of the BAPEN Sustainability Lead, we are pleased to announce the intention to form the new BAPEN Sustainability Specialist Interest Group (SSIG).
The SSIG will be a multidisciplinary group for professionals that together aim to:
- Develop a sustainability strategy for BAPEN
- Foster the development of work streams and change of practice in order to improve sustainability within clinical nutrition
- Assist BAPEN in collaboration with external organisations, including industry partners, in matters relating to sustainability and development
- Consider the potential for sustainability impact outside of climate change, including wider society and nutrition as preventative health measures.
The SSIG is a new committee within BAPEN, and we welcome applications from any member with an interest in sustainability. Support is available for those new to committee positions.
Eligibility to apply: A registered healthcare professional and member of one of BAPEN’s core professional groups, with current BAPEN membership.
Application process: To apply for this position, please send a short CV along with a letter of interest to the BAPEN office by email bapen@bapen.org.uk. The letter of interest should detail your suitability for the role and your initial thoughts on areas for action within BAPEN itself and the wider sector of nutrition care. These ideas should fill no more than a single side of A4. Deadline for applications: 5pm on Friday 31st May 2024.
More details: You can find more information on the SSIG below and enquiries can be made to the SSIG Chair, Dr Ashley Bond, via the BAPEN office bapen@bapen.org.uk.
Members of the Committee
- Ashley Bond (Chair)
- Andrew Rochford
- Lauren Weston Simons
- Anita Sangera
- Amelia Jukes
- Laura Stevenson
- Hardip Malhi
- Louise Davey-Hewins
- Riddhika Joshi
Publications relating to sustainability
Resource Hub
The BAPEN Sustainability SIG has created a resource hub for sustainability to address the growing need for more responsible practices within clinical nutrition. This initiative aligns with their broader strategy to ensure safe, timely, and appropriate nutritional care for all individuals.
The resource hub aims to foster the development of sustainable practices among healthcare professionals. By providing access to guidelines, toolkits, best practices, and collaborative opportunities, BAPEN encourages the adoption of improved sustainable methods in nutritional care. This includes reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and promoting sustainable sourcing of nutritional products.
Users of the hub will find it as a helpful resource for integrating sustainability into their daily practices. It includes signposting to wider NHS resources and other specialties that have made progress with sustainable healthcare. The hub also offers case studies and success stories, providing practical examples of how others have successfully implemented sustainable practices. Additionally, the collaborative opportunities available through the hub allow users to connect with peers, share insights, and develop innovative solutions to common challenges.
Overall, the sustainability SIG’s resource hub for sustainability represents a proactive step towards integrating environmental consciousness into clinical nutrition, ensuring that the sector evolves in a way that is both health-conscious and environmentally responsible.
