Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers for an NHS Band 7 Consultant Dietitian Role
The role of a Band 7 Consultant Dietitian within the NHS is one of high responsibility, leadership, and specialist expertise. These professionals are expected to lead on complex nutritional interventions, develop evidence-based clinical guidelines, supervise junior staff, contribute to strategic service development, and often engage in audit, research, or policy shaping. Band 7 Dietitians typically work in hospitals, community health teams, or specialist care settings like oncology, gastroenterology, diabetes, or mental health services.
In terms of compensation, Band 7 roles on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale typically start at £43,742 and can rise to £50,056 per year, depending on experience and location (as of 2024-25). With this level of responsibility, the interview process can be demanding. Below, we outline 20 potential interview questions you might face, along with suggested answers to help you prepare confidently.
Can you describe your experience working in a specialist clinical area?
Sample Answer: I have over four years of experience specializing in gastroenterology, where I led nutritional care plans for patients with IBD and coeliac disease. I developed patient-centered dietary pathways and contributed to MDT discussions to ensure holistic care.
How do you stay current with evidence-based practice in dietetics?
Sample Answer: I regularly review journals such as the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, attend BDA webinars, and recently completed an advanced practice course in enteral feeding to enhance my clinical decision-making.
Describe a time when you led a service improvement project.
Sample Answer: I led a quality improvement initiative to reduce tube-feeding delays in post-surgical patients, which involved revising referral processes and training ward staff. This led to a 30% improvement in response times.
How do you approach conflict resolution in a multidisciplinary team?
Sample Answer: I use open communication, active listening, and evidence to support clinical reasoning. For example, I mediated a disagreement between a consultant and a speech therapist over a patient’s dysphagia plan by presenting NICE guidelines and achieving consensus.
What’s your leadership style?
Sample Answer: I lead with a transformational style, motivating staff through shared goals, regular feedback, and coaching. I believe in empowering junior staff while maintaining clear clinical governance.
How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses nutritional support?
Sample Answer: I would explore their concerns empathetically, provide tailored education, involve family if appropriate, and document everything. If needed, I’d involve the safeguarding or mental capacity team.
What experience do you have with audits or research?
Sample Answer: I conducted an audit on compliance with nutritional screening tools across wards, which led to updates in training and improved compliance from 60% to 92% over six months.
How do you mentor junior dietitians?
Sample Answer: I set SMART goals, offer shadowing opportunities, and provide structured feedback. I recently supported a Band 5 dietitian through her preceptorship and saw her progress to independent caseload management within three months.
What would you do if you noticed a colleague providing incorrect dietary advice?
Sample Answer: I would approach them privately, discuss the issue constructively, reference relevant guidelines, and escalate if necessary. Patient safety always comes first.
Can you describe a challenging clinical case you managed?
Sample Answer: I managed a cachectic oncology patient with severe nausea and PEG intolerance. I collaborated with palliative care, adapted the feed regimen, and improved tolerance through prokinetics and patient-led adjustments.
How do you ensure patient-centered care?
Sample Answer: I always assess cultural, emotional, and psychological aspects alongside clinical needs. I co-create goals with patients to enhance adherence and satisfaction.
Describe a time you made a mistake. What did you learn?
Sample Answer: Early in my career, I miscalculated a feed volume, which was caught in time by a nurse. Since then, I always double-check calculations and introduced a peer review checklist in my team.
How do you prioritize your caseload?
Sample Answer: I triage based on clinical urgency, impact of intervention, and patient availability. I use digital tracking systems to reassess and reprioritize daily.
What do you know about the NHS Long Term Plan and how does it affect dietetic practice?
Sample Answer: The NHS Long Term Plan emphasizes prevention and integrated care. Dietitians play a vital role in lifestyle interventions, weight management services, and reducing health inequalities—areas I am passionate about contributing to.
Tell us about a time you had to present data or findings to a senior audience.
Sample Answer: I presented audit outcomes on malnutrition risk assessments to the divisional board, which led to funding for more dietetic hours and ward-based training.
What would your first 90 days look like in this role?
Sample Answer: I would focus on understanding team dynamics, service gaps, and patient needs. I’d review KPIs, conduct stakeholder meetings, and identify early wins for service impact.
How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?
Sample Answer: I stay organized using task prioritization frameworks like Eisenhower Matrix and communicate proactively with the team to redistribute workloads when needed.
What’s your experience with digital tools or electronic patient records?
Sample Answer: I’m proficient in SystmOne and eRS, and I’ve helped develop dietetic templates that improved documentation consistency and reduced note-writing time by 25%.
How do you ensure inclusive care for diverse populations?
Sample Answer: I tailor dietary advice to cultural preferences and health literacy levels. I’ve worked with interpreters and created translated materials for diabetes care in South Asian patients.
Why do you want this Band 7 role in our trust?
Sample Answer: I’m inspired by your trust’s focus on integrated community care and innovation. I see this role as a chance to lead meaningful change, mentor staff, and grow within a supportive framework.
Final Encouragement and Interview Tips
Preparing for an NHS Band 7 Consultant Dietitian interview is about showcasing not only your clinical expertise but your leadership, adaptability, and patient-centered ethos. Review the trust’s values, be ready with structured (STAR method) responses, and prepare intelligent questions for the panel. Practice with a colleague or record yourself to refine your delivery. Remember: confidence comes from preparation.
Walk into your interview as the expert you are. You’ve got the knowledge—now it’s time to let it shine.
Good luck!
