Job summary
We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated Dietitian to join the Dietetic Department at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, on a 12-months fixed-term basis.

As an integral part of the Multidisciplinary Team of Specialist Nurses and Consultants, you will take the advanced dietetic lead role in the provision of dietetic services to gastroenterology and medical inpatients at Watford General Hospital.

The successful applicant will be a source of clinical expertise for Dietetic colleagues and will take a clinical lead in the training of student Dietitians and the supervision of junior staff.

Main duties of the job
You will be responsible for the delivery of high-quality expert assessment, management and education for patients requiring specialist dietetic and nutritional intervention, using evidence-based practice and working in accordance with best practice guidelines for acutely ill patients.

You will lead on research and development by initiating, planning and undertaking clinical audits and research projects to evaluate and develop the specialist dietetic service. You will also produce evidence-based resources, protocols, policies and guidelines.

The department is committed to providing a quality service, promoting evidence-based practice, audit and CPD. There are opportunities for training and development and clinical supervision, together with regular journal clubs and study sessions.

About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential

• Degree or post graduate diploma in nutrition/dietetics.
• HCPC registered dietitian.

Desirable

• Member of BDA.
• Member of the BDA specialist group e.g. GIG.

Knowledge:
Essential

• Post graduate study in specialist area of dietetics e.g. PENG course.

Experience:
Essential

• Substantive post registration clinical experience.
• Experience in gastroenterology.
• Sound knowledge of current dietetic issues relating to management of critically ill patients.
• Involvement in relevant specialist interest group e.g. Gastroenterology Group, PEN Group.

Desirable

• Experience of providing leadership to a clinical team.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Therapy Team Lead
Meghna Mapara
meghna.mapara@nhs.net
01923217200

Details
Date posted: 24 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £51,657 to £58,785 a year inc HCA
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 360-C-11813
Job locations: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom