NHS Bands: How Do They Apply to Dietitians?
All staff in the NHS are categorised into bands. These bands are levels that determine salary and are based on job role and experience required to complete that specific role. Generally speaking, the higher the band, the higher the greater the level of skill and experience needed. So, how does this apply to dietitians?
Band 5
Band 5 Dietitians are typically newly qualified Dietitians undertaking their first clinical role since graduating. However, not everyone wants to progress through the bands and some people may choose to stay as a Band 5 throughout their career. Just because someone's band is lower does not mean they aren't experienced, they just may not want the added pressures of a Band 6 role. Band 5 Dietitians have varied caseloads so they will look after service users with many different conditions. There are some Band 5 specialist roles in areas like paediatrics. These however are still quite rare.
Band 6
This is where you start to specialise in role such as gastroenterology, diabetes, paediatrics and nutrition support. Band 6 Dietitians may support service users with more complex medical conditions. You can change specialist area at any point in your career and will be supported with completing necessary training. A Band 6 role also usually carries additional responsibilities such as providing line management for junior
members of the team/department (including Band 5 Dietitians, dietetic assistants and dietetic assistant practitioners).
Band 7
Band 7 Dietitians are highly experienced Dietitians who have been registered and practising in their area of expertise for a while. They are often the lead small teams of Dietitians within a department. They still have clinical caseloads but these may be smaller than that of lower bands
Band 8 and Up
Band 8 and higher are your service managers. They look after the whole of the Dietetic service. They are responsible for managing things like complaints, budget and of course line management of other Dietitians. They often do not have a clinical caseload.
Remember .... There is no set timescale for progression through the
Bands, you should progress in your career at the pace that is right for you!