Who we are, what we do

The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) was established over 45 years ago and exists to deliver authoritative, evidence-based information on food and nutrition in the context of health and lifestyle. Accurate interpretation of nutrition science is at the heart of all we do.

The Foundation’s work is conducted and communicated through a unique blend of nutrition science, education and media activities. BNF’s strong governance is broad based but weighted towards the academic community, and we are honoured to have Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal as our patron.

BNF is a registered charity that attracts funding from a variety of sources, including contracts with the European Commission, national government departments and agencies; food producers and manufacturers, retailers and food service companies; grant providing bodies, trusts and other charities.

The objects of the British Nutrition Foundation are:

To undertake, for the public benefit, the education of the public in nutrition and the dissemination of information relating to nutrition.

The advancement for the public benefit of the training and education of persons involved in the training or education of others in nutrition.

The advancement for the public benefit of the study of, and research into, nutrition.

Aim

Our aim is to be world class in the interpretation and translation of complex scientific information in order to generate and communicate clear, accurate, accessible information on nutrition, diet and lifestyle, which is relevant to the needs of diverse audiences. Through active engagement with government, schools, industry, health professionals and journalists, we also aim to provide advice to help shape and support policy and to facilitate improvement in the diet and physical activity patterns of the population.

An illustration of how our objectives for 2008-12 are linked with our overall aim:

Accurate interpretation of nutrition science is at the heart of all we do

Our core values are scientific integrity, objectivity and impartiality, coupled with fairness in the way we judge information and we manage those employed by the Foundation. Our broad funding base is an inherent strength as it ensures that we work with diverse groups within the nutrition world and hence better understand the challenges they face and the opportunities for activities associated with delivering improved public health. The same applies to our broad governance structure that comprises a Board of Trustees and a Council, incorporating senior individuals from many walks of life, that is purposely weighted towards independent academics of repute. Our Council, under the chairmanship of our Honorary President Professor Alan Shenkin, directs our science strategy. We are honoured to have Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal as our Patron.

We are well connected and attach substantial value to the collaborations and partnerships that we have forged, both in the UK and also across Europe, that enable us to extend our influence without moving our focus from the things we do well. We have a track record in harnessing the expertise of others to deliver a multi-disciplinary perspective, as illustrated by the outputs of our series of Task Forces and Advisory Committees. We are known for collating and disseminating best practice that has the potential to facilitate behaviour change and so improve the health and wellbeing of the population.

BNF’s work is embedded in two work programmes – education and science.

• © British Nutrition Foundation 2012