The Vital Role of a Band 5 Dietitian in the NHS
Band 5 Dietitians are the foundation of nutrition and dietetic services in the NHS, serving patients in a variety of clinical settings, from hospitals and community clinics to GP practices and specialist wards. As newly qualified or early-career professionals, they are pivotal in promoting evidence-based nutrition interventions, supporting disease prevention, and improving patient outcomes across demographics.
According to the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, a Band 5 Dietitian earns a starting salary of around £28,407, rising with experience and annual increments. Beyond pay, the role offers a rewarding career path in public health and clinical specialties, as well as opportunities for progression into senior bands.
If you’ve secured an interview for a Band 5 Dietitian role, congratulations! This blog post walks you through 20 common interview questions along with sample answers, giving you the confidence to perform your best on the big day.
Top 20 NHS Band 5 Dietitian Interview Questions and Model Answers
Why do you want to work for the NHS as a Dietitian?
Answer: “The NHS represents one of the world’s leading healthcare systems, where I can contribute to equitable access to nutrition care. I value the multidisciplinary teamwork and evidence-based approach, and I am passionate about making a meaningful difference to patients’ lives through dietary interventions.”
What do you understand about the role of a Band 5 Dietitian?
Answer: “A Band 5 Dietitian typically manages a general clinical caseload under supervision, contributes to patient assessments and interventions, and supports service delivery. It’s a learning-focused position with direct patient interaction and collaboration with senior colleagues.”
Describe your approach to patient-centered care.
Answer: “I listen actively to patients’ goals and needs, adapt dietary plans to their lifestyle, and provide realistic, culturally sensitive advice. Empowering patients to take ownership of their nutrition is at the heart of my care model.”
How do you prioritise a busy caseload?
Answer: “I assess urgency based on clinical need, risk factors, and discharge planning. I use tools like the MUST screening score and coordinate with the MDT to ensure high-risk patients receive timely care.”
Can you give an example of a time you worked as part of a multidisciplinary team?
Answer: “During my placement in a stroke rehab ward, I collaborated with speech therapists and physiotherapists to develop safe swallowing plans and appropriate texture-modified diets. Regular MDT meetings ensured aligned goals and better patient outcomes.”
How would you handle a patient who refuses to follow your dietary advice?
Answer: “I would explore the underlying reasons through open-ended questions, acknowledge their perspective, and seek a compromise that aligns with their beliefs while still improving their health.”
What is your experience with enteral feeding?
Answer: “I’ve assessed patients for tube feeding during placement and developed feeding regimens in line with BDA guidelines. I monitored tolerance, liaised with nurses for care plan updates, and provided families with education.”
How do you stay up-to-date with dietetic research?
Answer: “I subscribe to the BDA journals, attend webinars, and participate in CPD events. I also use platforms like NICE, NHS Evidence, and PEN to ensure my practice is aligned with the latest evidence.”
What would you do if you noticed a mistake in a patient’s care plan?
Answer: “Patient safety is paramount. I would cross-reference the information, consult with relevant colleagues, and promptly update or escalate the issue following clinical governance protocols.”
How would you explain the importance of nutrition to a patient with limited health literacy?
Answer: “I would use simple, jargon-free language and visual aids like the Eatwell Guide. I’d check understanding by asking them to explain back the information in their own words.”
How do you manage cultural differences in dietary practices?
Answer: “I respect and adapt my recommendations to align with the patient’s cultural beliefs, involving interpreters when needed, and seeking alternative foods that meet both nutritional needs and cultural norms.”
Tell us about a challenging patient interaction and how you handled it.
Answer: “A patient with diabetes was frustrated about dietary restrictions. I empathised, clarified misconceptions, and focused on what they could eat rather than restrictions, which improved their engagement.”
What would you do on your first day in this role?
Answer: “I’d familiarise myself with the service structure, meet the team, understand key referral pathways, and shadow senior dietitians to learn about local procedures and patient demographics.”
What qualities make a great Band 5 Dietitian?
Answer: “Strong communication, adaptability, empathy, and a solid foundation in clinical knowledge. Being proactive in learning and open to feedback is also vital in this developmental role.”
How do you ensure accuracy in your nutritional assessments?
Answer: “I use validated tools, take comprehensive dietary histories, corroborate information with clinical data, and double-check calculations using standard nutritional software.”
What experience do you have with audits or service improvement?
Answer: “During university, I contributed to a quality improvement project reviewing malnutrition screening compliance in a care ward. I analysed data and helped draft an action plan that increased screening accuracy.”
How do you handle emotional stress in a clinical setting?
Answer: “I reflect through journaling and debriefs with supervisors. Maintaining professional boundaries and practising self-care helps me remain resilient and effective.”
How would you approach working in both inpatient and outpatient settings?
Answer: “I would tailor my approach based on the setting—prioritising acute interventions for inpatients, while using behaviour change models for outpatients to support long-term self-management.”
How do you deal with time pressure when multiple patients need input?
Answer: “I triage based on urgency, document thoroughly for continuity, and delegate where appropriate under supervision. I also communicate delays transparently with the team.”
What are your long-term career goals as a Dietitian?
Answer: “I hope to specialise in gastroenterology or diabetes care while continuing to grow in leadership and research. I’m committed to continuous learning and aspire to become an advanced clinical practitioner.”
Final Words of Encouragement
Interviewing for a Band 5 Dietitian role is a major step in your career, and preparation is your best ally. Focus on the NHS values—compassion, teamwork, respect, and excellence. Review your placement experiences, know your nutrition science inside out, and reflect on how you’ve demonstrated core competencies.
Remember: it’s okay to pause and think before answering. Structure your responses with the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and don’t forget to show your passion for patient care.
You’ve worked hard to get to this point—now is your chance to show how your unique skills and dedication will make you an asset to the NHS dietetics team.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
