CPD in Nutrition Communications: How HRS Stays Compliant in a Non-Clinical World

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential in nutrition communications. It ensures professionals stay credible, evidence-based, and compliant in an ever-evolving industry.

For registered dietitians and nutritionists though, CPD is not just an opportunity. CPD is a regulatory requirement set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Association for Nutrition (AfN). These governing bodies ensure dietitians and nutritionists meet professional standards, keeping their knowledge current and delivering best practice.

This year, the HCPC is launching its first-ever CPD Week. This initiative encourages professionals to reflect on their learning, discover new CPD opportunities, and share best practices.

At HRS many of our team members are nutrition professionals, meaning CPD is an integral part of our professional responsibility. In nutrition communications, CPD takes on a unique form. It must balance scientific accuracy with effective storytelling, while remaining compliant with advertising and health regulations.

Why CPD Matters in Nutrition Communications

CPD in nutrition communications is an investment in professional credibility, audience trust, and valuable communication.

In a world where nutrition misinformation is widespread, CPD ensures complex science can be translated into accessible, engaging, and evidence-based content. By continuously refining our knowledge we ensure that our messaging remains scientifically accurate, audience-focused, and aligned with industry best practices.

It is more pertinent than ever to keep pace with evolving nutrition science and industry standards. From staying updated on emerging research, evolving dietary guidelines, and regulatory changes. Continuous education is essential in delivering credible, compliant and science-driven communication to our clients and their audience.

What Does CPD Look Like in Nutrition Communications?

CPD in nutrition communications can include a diverse range of activities, that certainly overlap with our clinical colleagues. Recording CPD is just as crucial as taking part, so keeping a structured CPD portfolio with reflections on learning experiences helps demonstrate professional growth.

CPD activities and record-keeping can look like:

• Attending and networking at nutrition and food industry conferences, documenting key takeaways through reflections, team training sessions, or internal reports.
• Reviewing scientific literature and engaging with peer-reviewed research, clinical guidance, and regulatory updates. Followed by application of findings to practice and recording insights through case studies or policy updates.
• Staying updated on advertising standards and responsible health messaging, integrating learnings into internal guidelines and reflecting on real-world applications.
• Completing courses on regulatory standards and codes of practice, applying new knowledge in team discussions and updating internal practices.

Keeping a structured CPD portfolio, showcases our growth, knowledge, and industry expertise (and always be ready if we’re selected for audit).

CPD In Action at HRS

We recognise that CPD is most effective when embedded into daily practice. As a company committed to continuous learning and professional growth, we provide regular opportunities for our team. This allows us to expand our expertise, stay ahead of industry developments, and regularly apply our learning into practice.

CPD at HRS goes beyond formal training to include work-based, professional, formal, and self-directed learning. We integrate CPD into our roles by:

• Providing an annual CPD budget: Supporting team members to invest in industry memberships, professional courses, and specialised training.
• Hosting regular journal clubs: Facilitating discussions on the latest peer-reviewed research, industry and regulatory updates so our messaging remains up to date.
• Attending key industry events: Keeping our team at the forefront of nutrition communications, digital engagement, and regulatory affairs.
• Encouraging networking and peer collaboration: Supporting participation in professional communities and special-interest groups to encourage shared learning and expert insights.
• Embedding learning into practice: Applying new knowledge to update internal guidelines, refine communication strategies, and improve client engagement.

By integrating CPD into everything we do, we ensure our team remains knowledgeable, compliant, and capable of delivering high-quality, evidence-based nutrition communications.

Our Team’s CPD Highlights

“Being on the committee for the British Dietetic Association Industry Specialist Group has been a personal and professional highlight. Organising and attending last year’s study day, as well as planning our upcoming event in April, has been an incredible opportunity to connect with industry peers, share knowledge, and support fellow professionals in non-clinical roles. I’ve gained valuable insights into CPD in non-clinical settings, the importance of student placements in industry, and the diverse career paths available to dietitians. This aligns with my passion for championing unconventional career paths and empowering the next generation of dietitians by creating opportunities in nutrition communications and industry settings.” – Harriet, Founder and CEO

“Attending the IQVIA webinar on Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition Studies was incredibly insightful. Experts discussed how both real-world evidence (RWE) and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) play complementary roles in nutrition communications. The session highlighted the challenges of translating research into infant nutrition claims, which is highly relevant to my work as a medical writer. The global perspective on regulatory differences across countries was particularly valuable—I’ll be sharing key takeaways in our next monthly meeting!” – Fiona, Senior Medical Writer

“Taking the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Code of Practice Introduction course was incredibly valuable. The training provided practical insights into how the code applies to health claims, promotional materials, and interactions with healthcare professionals. It reinforced the importance of ensuring transparency, accuracy, and compliance in all our content. I now apply these principles regularly, from advising on best practices to ensuring messaging meets industry standards.” – Amy, Account and Marketing Executive

Key Takeaways for CPD in Nutrition Communications

CPD is not just about meeting regulatory requirements, it’s about staying ahead in nutrition communications, adapting to industry advancements, and continuously improving how we translate science into meaningful messaging.

At HRS, we are committed to a culture of lifelong learning, ensuring our team remains credible, compliant, and equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of nutrition and health communications.

How are you engaging with the HCPC’s first-ever CPD Week 2025?

Join the conversation and share your experiences using #CPDWeek2025!