Initial guidance relating to updated registration competencies and practice standards

Initial guidance relating to updated registration competencies

The new Core Competencies for Registered Associate Nutritionists will be implemented on 1^st April 2025.

Applying before 1^st April 2025

If you are looking to submit your portfolio application before the new Competencies are implemented on 1st April 2025, you should use the current (2019) ANutr Competencies and application forms available on the AfN website.

Please note: The application form for submissions using the current ANutr Competences will close at midnight on 31^st March 2025, any incomplete applications will not be accessible after this date.

Applying on or after 1^st April 2025

If you are looking to submit your portfolio application on or after 1st April 2025, you should use the new (2025) ANutr Competencies.

A downloadable version of the new mapping form will be made available in September 2024, allowing you time to prepare your portfolio well in advance of the changeover.

The application form for submissions using the new ANutr Competences will be available on the website from 1^st April 2025.

Please note: A sunset clause was introduced to the ANutr Portfolio pathway for UK graduates in 2020. Therefore after 31st December 2025, this application pathway will no longer be available to graduates from UK universities and will be replaced by an international application route for non-UK graduates. UK graduates will need to complete an accredited degree programme or submit an RNutr portfolio application once they have gained sufficient post-graduate experience.

The new Core Competencies for Registered Nutritionists will be implemented on 1^st April 2024.

Applying before 1^st April 2024

If you are looking to submit a portfolio application before the new Competencies are implemented on 1^st April 2024, you should use the current (2019) ANutr and RNutr Competencies and application forms available on the AfN website.

Please note: The application forms for submissions using the current competences will close at midnight on 31^st March 2024, any incomplete applications will not be accessible after this date.

Applying between 1^st April 2024 and 31^st March 2025

If you are looking to submit a portfolio application in the period between the implementation of the new ANutr and RNutr Competencies, you should use the current (2019) ANutr Competencies to complete mapping form A and the new (2024) RNutr Competencies to complete mapping form B.

The application form will be available for submissions using the mapping forms for these competences between 1^st April and 31^st March 2025 on the AfN website.

A downloadable version of the new mapping form B is available, allowing ample time to plan your portfolio in advance of the changeover

Please note: The application form for submissions using these competences will close at midnight on 31^st March 2024, any incomplete applications will not be accessible after this date.

Applying on or after 1^st April 2025

If you are looking to submit your portfolio application on or after the implementation of both the new ANutr and RNutr Competencies on 1^st April 2025, you should use the new (2025) ANutr and (2024) RNutr Competencies to complete your application.

The application form will be available for submissions using the mapping forms for these competences on 1^st April 2025 on the AfN website.

A downloadable version of the new mapping form B is available now and of the new mapping form A will be available in September 2024, allowing you time to plan your portfolio in advance of the changeover.

Please note: The application form for submissions using these competences will close at midnight on 31^st March 2025, any incomplete applications will not be accessible after this date.

The new Core Competencies for Registered Nutritionists will be implemented on 1^st April 2024.

Applying before 1^st April 2024

If you are looking to submit your portfolio application before the new Competencies are implemented on 1^st April 2024, you should use the current (2019) RNutr Competencies, documents and forms already available on the AfN website.

Applying on or after 1^st April 2024

If you are looking to submit your portfolio application on or after this date, you will need to use the new (2024) RNutr Competencies.

You may wish to start planning in advance of the changeover, using the new (2024) template mapping form, Competencies and Guidance documents. A downloadable version of the new mapping form B is available, allowing ample time to plan your portfolio in advance of the changeover.

The core competency numbers in the CPD Log in registrants dashboards on our website will be altered to reflect the new competency numbering. Therefore any future CPD logged will be under the new core competency numbering system.

Previously logged CPD will not need to be altered.

If you are using your CPD Log as part of your CPD audit submission, please do not worry about the different numbering systems, as the assessors will be fully aware of the numbering changes.

If you are using your CPD Log to identify evidence for your transfer portfolio, you may wish to double-check the core competency area the activity sits within.

The different dates that the registration standards and competencies come into effect are due to the time needed to implement these within practice and training.

As the Standards for Independent and Freelance Practice are grounded in the Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance, there is a 3 month notification period of implementation. Therefore all registrants who work in an independent or freelance setting will need to comply with these from 1st July 2023.

The Core Competencies for RNutr Registration have a 15 month notification period of implementation. This provides time for those who have been working on their RNutr applications/transfer to complete and submit their portfolios, and for current RNutrs to begin incorporating any relevant areas within their CPD. All those applying for RNutr registration will need to demonstrate avhievement of the updated RNutr competencies for professional conduct & performance and for the specialist area of practice from 1st April 2024.

The Core Competencies for ANutr Registration have an additional 12-month notification period of implementation, so as to provide university programmes the time needed to incorporate the revised competencies into their teaching and assessments. All those applying for ANutr registration will need to demonstrate achievement of the updated ANutr competencies from 1st April 2025.

Initial guidance relating to independent and freelance practice standards

We define independent and freelance practice as: “providing services in a paid or unpaid capacity, where the nutrition-related activities are undertaken with no direct supervision, guidance or support.” For example, you are employed within an organisation but practise independently of any other nutrition professionals, are self-employed or are independently providing advice in a voluntary capacity.

In most cases no.

The new AfN Standards for Independent and Freelance Practice are not formally assessed and you won’t have to submit evidence of adherence to AfN. These official standards have been designed in conjunction with the AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance, which ensure our registrants practise safely, effectively, appropriately and in the best interest of the public at all times, with both being adhered to by those practicing in this area.

If any complaints are received regarding a Registrants independent/freelance practice, your compliance with the AfN Standards for Independent and Freelance Practice will be taken into account and you may need to provide evidence to demonstrate your compliance with these standards.

As a registrant engaging in independent/freelance practice, you must ensure that you are familiar with the standards set out within the document and the main AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance document, and that you act in accordance with them.

As with the Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance, Registrants will confirm compliance upon registration and at annual renewal.

We listened to registrants feedback that the ‘takes client’ box on the website register listings did not help to differentiate between those providing services to individuals and those who provide this to businesses etc. and this is being removed. It was noted that it is more helpful for registrants to select the services they offer from the list of services offered and areas of practice available in each registrant’s profile (editable via your dashboard). When updating your profile you will be reminded that you must read and agree to comply with any guidance or standards issued by AfN relating to these services. These categories are searchable by those looking to engage the services of a nutritionist.

Additionally, in line with the feedback received during the consultation, a statement will be introduced on Registrant’ listings page that all registrants practicing in freelance or independent settings must abide by the AfN Standards for Independent and Freelance Practice, making it clear to the public, clients/service users, and other health professionals what they can expect as a minimum standard.