Senior Dietitian Preston Lodge in Leicester

Senior Dietitian – Preston Lodge

The closing date is 29 July 2026

Are you wanting to feel valued and supported in one of the biggest acute teaching hospitals in the UK, working in a large service committed to professional and personal development with clearly defined career pathways.

This exciting opportunity has arisen to provide nutritional care to a new community rehabilitation facility, just 1.6 miles from Leicester Royal Infirmary. This unit supports the government's shift from acute to community as part of the NHS 10 year plan.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to support patient care, including assessment and treatment planning for those needing rehabilitation, reablement and recovery. The role also involves training staff, developing resources, helping evaluate the service, and working with the Preston Lodge team to provide high‑quality care before patients are discharged from UHL.

You will be expected to work in creative and highly innovative ways to champion and accelerate our Rehabilitation, Reablement and Recovery (RRR) model, empowering individuals to regain independence, build confidence and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Main duties of the job

Working closely alongside a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the delivery of the services, offering assessment, formulation and treatment plans for patients in Preston Lodge rehabilitation facility. The post remit will also include teaching and training of healthcare professionals, resource development, student dietetic training.

Job responsibilities

• To be responsible for the development and provision of a high quality, evidence based, effective Dietetic & Nutrition Service, for adult dietetic care.
• To work as part of the Dietetic & Nutrition Service at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL NHS Trust at Preston Lodge).
• To provide a Dietetic & Nutrition Service to adult patients and their families and carers whilst on under the care of Consultants. The post holder will also provide continuity of care across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland healthcare community, and advise other dietitians and healthcare professionals on nutrition and diet matters.
• To be responsible for direct recommendation of inpatient prescription of nutritional products, including designing the composition of inpatient and outpatient orders, without direct supervision.
• To take a lead in clinical supervision, mentoring and CPD activities within the nutrition and dietetic team in the context of rehabilitation, re‑ablement and recovery.

Training & Qualifications

• A four‑year Undergraduate or a Two Year Post Graduate Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics or similar non‑UK qualification.
• UK Registered Dietitian with the Health Care Professions Council.
• Completion of a Clinical Supervisory Skills Course.
• Working towards completion of a validated course in a specialist area of practice.

Communication and relationship skills

• Is able to use different techniques for motivating individuals and groups to make behavioural change.
• Can use different approaches to communication with a wide variety of patients, both as individuals and in groups, and with the public.
• Is aware of the different communication needs within a culturally diverse community and how this may impact on both own professional practice and others.
• Has a good understanding of team work and how this can be used to improve patient care.
• Is able to give examples of own involvement of working as part of a team.
• Can demonstrate confidence, leadership and self‑motivation.
• Has undertaken post‑registration training in behavioural change and motivational interviewing.

Experience

• Dietetic experience in a varied dietetic environment.
• In addition some dietetic experience in Nutrition support.
• Can demonstrate the required competency in the post.
• Has developed practice in dietetics to include different ways of caseload management and delivering services.
• Can demonstrate evidence of continued professional development (e.g. keeps a professional portfolio).
• Previous involvement with the pre‑registration practice training for Dietitians.
• Is able to demonstrate ability to initiate and be involved in QI activities, e.g. clinical audit /PDSA cycles activities leading to improved patient care.
• Is able to support and take a role in the professional development of others.

Physical Skills

• Has ability to weigh patients and lift and carry equipment e.g. feeding pumps.
• Able to carry clinic and teaching equipment unaided or use correct aids e.g. Trolley.
• Mobility – able to work in a variety of hospital settings and able to access transport for site meetings and domiciliary visits.

Other requirements specific to the role

• Working knowledge of local and national clinical and professional policies guidelines and procedures e.g. NICE/British Dietetic Association/Health Professionals Council Code of Conduct/Ethics, Health and Safety, Infection Control, Equality and Diversity, Confidentiality, Data Protection.
• Has good knowledge of national strategies and clinical evidence related to oncological dietetics.
• Is an active member of appropriate groups in area of expert practice.
• Has a professional appearance and is able to express themselves clearly (both written and verbal).

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours.

Analytical and Judgement skills

• Uses analytical and problem solving skills to apply to own practice.
• Is able to support and take a key role in the professional development of others.

Planning and organisation skills

• Can demonstrate excellent organisational and supervisory skills.
• Can give examples of quality initiatives to improve the delivery of patient care and own involvement in specific initiatives.
• Is able to prioritise workload and is flexible in approach, and has an influence on developing these skills in junior staff and students.
• Has vision for new ways of working and healthcare delivery and has evidence of change management skills.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust