09.12.2025

Saachi Avis appointed Chair of the BDA Food Services Specialist Group

Saachi Avis, Head of Dietetics – Healthcare at Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been appointed Chair of the Food Services Specialist Group within the British Dietetic Association (BDA).

The BDA Food Services Specialist Group raises awareness of the vital role played by food and beverage services in all sectors. Membership includes clinical dietitians, dietitians working with catering colleagues, and dietitians employed within the food industry.

In this role, Saachi will strive to grow membership; promote the work of food service dietitians; encourage Trusts and organisations to consider the added value of dietetic time; and partner with universities to include catering within placements.

Saachi joined the BDA committee as a member in 2017 and soon became the Group’s Treasurer. Saachi has contributed significantly to key BDA publications, including the Nutrition and Hydration Digest, The Mental Health Supplementary Guidance, and the Care Home Digest. In recognition of her contributions to the field, Saachi has been awarded the BDA Roll of Honour three times. This week the BDA also announced her as an Unsung Hero to mark International Volunteers Day.

Having worked as a Food Service Dietitian for over 10 years, she now specialises in catering, prior to this Saachi was an Acute Dietitian in the NHS, working in a range of clinical specialties. Former roles include clinical and operational support to catering teams, covering menu planning, special diet and operational training, auditing and recipe analysis, as well as writing key food and drink related policies and processes.

At Compass, Saachi leads the Healthcare Dietetics Team, with a focus on ensuring food and drink provisions consistently meet legislative requirements and essential standards, supporting the safety and well-being of patients, residents, staff and visitors.

Commenting on her appointment, Saachi said: “I’m honoured to have been made Chair of the BDA Food Services Specialist Group. I’ve loved being part of this committee for the last eight years and I’m excited to be helping move it forward. For me, this role is about making a meaningful impact and raising awareness of the work we do.”

Russell Blake, MD – Healthcare – Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Saachi appointed to this important role with the BDA. I know she will bring the same energy, insight, and collaborative spirit to the group’s committee that she brings to our work every day. We look forward to supporting her in her new role and I’m confident she will make significant contributions to shaping the future of dietetics across the UK.”

Carlena Probert-Baulch, Volunteer Manager at the BDA said: “We’re thrilled to appoint Saachi Avis to the role of Chair. In the time she has been a member of the committee, she has contributed significantly to key BDA publications and work. It’s no coincidence that her contribution has been recognised in our Roll of Honour three times – she is hard working, passionate and dedicated to improving the sector. We’re very much looking forward to seeing her progress as Chair.”