The Association for Nutrition (AfN) is an independent regulator for Registered Nutritionists. It holds the only UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists recognised by the government. The Association’s purpose is to protect and benefit the public by defining and advancing standards of evidence-based practice across the field of nutrition and at all levels within the workforce.

Members may apply to several different categories of registration: Animal, Food, Nutrition Science, Public Health, Sports & Exercise or Healthcare Medical.

The register also helps employers, the media and the general public to identify appropriately qualified individuals through the searchable database. Members can also be recognised by the quality mark post-nominal letters ‘RNutr’ or ‘ANutr’ after their name. Members on the register are expected to adhere to the Association’s Code of Ethics.

In order to remain safe to practise, registered nutritionists are expected to adhere to the Association’s Code of Ethics, and are also required to complete at least 30 hours of continued professional development (CPD) annually. Accordingly, we make sure that all of our meetings are AfN-accredited endorsed CPD activities.

We recommend members apply, to ensure the rigorous standards for scientifically sound nutrition and its use in practice are upheld, therefore improving the professional image of nutritionists working in industry.

Likewise, all dietitians within NII who currently practise in the UK should join the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).