Career Development

Professional Recognition with the Society of Biology

HEaTED – Regional Network Event

23rd April 2013

Debbie Brunt

Society of Biology

Professional Recognition in UK Science Background

• Skills for Growth recognised the importance of technician and graduate roles to the economy.

• Increasing emphasis on professional development:

• Demonstrable skills and competencies

• Commitment to life long learning (CPD- continual professional development)

• Transferable skills

Professional Recognition Mapping to qualification framework

Professional DevelopmentPathway of Increasing knowledge, skills and competencies

QCF3/SCQF6

• Advanced Apprenticeship• BTEC NVQ3• A levels• Highers• SVQ3• Or equivalent

QCF5/SCQF8

• HND• Foundation Degree• Higher level Apprenticeships• SVQ4• Or equivalent

QCF7/SCQF11

• Masters level• Or equivalent

Applying for and maintaining professional recognition

All applicants are required to be a member of a professional body

Applying to be on the registers – evidence of competencies is required

Being maintained on the registers – annual submission of CPD

The Application Process

Two Routes:

1) On Line Application – candidates submit everything via our on line system. Applications sent to 2 assessors for review.

2) Fast Track Interview – work based interview by assessors from Society of Biology.

Professional Recognition Importance of ‘on the job training’

Appropriate Qualification

RSciTech/RSci/CSci

Work Experience(evidence of competency)

Work Experience (evidence of competency)

Equivalency Report

Candidates with qualification Candidates without qualification

RSciTech/RSci/CSci

On Line Application Process

Already joined SBNot joined SB

Apply to join

Apply for registration

Society of Biology Staff

Award Given

Science Council UK Register

External Assessors

Fast Track By Interview

Society of Biology Assessors interview candidates at their place of work

(Interview will be approx 45 mins)

Discuss and assess with candidates how they have met the competency requirements

Assessor will write a report for the Society of Biology documenting their recommendations and evidence provided by the candidate

Getting on the professional registers What will the Society of Biology assess?

On the job training contributes to equivalency

*

Areas exploredi. Applying Knowledge to workii. Understanding techniques usediii. Interpreting data and quality control

Maintaining Professional Registration Annual submission of CPD

Points based – 50 minimum per year needed On Line System Many more examples on web site !

Professional Registers in Science Maintaining Standards - pan science in UK

Society of Biology

Letter of support from supervisor

Independent Review - Society of Biology Assessors

Audit of 2.5% of registrants per year

Audit of Society of Biology by the Science Council

The UK Scheme

Standards set by licensing bodies (e.g. Science Council, Engineering Council)

Applied by professional bodies under licence

Technician Council, Engineering Council and Science Council ensures equivalence between professional bodies

Professional Recognition in Science Benefits for employees

Professional recognition

Externally validated UK recognised award

Raised standard of expertise

Pan science professional award

Improved status and recognition

RSciTech, RSci, CSci after your name

Demonstrated transferable skills

Professional development

Potential to develop to Registered Scientist and Chartered Status

Access to life long learning, CPD, professional networks and dedicated meeting

Their EmployeesHave externally assessed and validated skills, knowledge and competencies.

Committed to CPD.

Increase skill level amongst employees.

Raise value of employees within the organisation.

Professional Registers in Science Benefits for employers

Influencing developmentPotential to be on advisory panel overseeing implementation and development

Potential to be assessment panel

Ability to influence skills and competencies required for professional registration in response to changes in markets, new discoveries and technology impacts.

Raising PerceptionsVocational training and professional registration- valued and viable alternative to undertaking a degree course.

Increase recruitment from schools, colleges and universities

Society of Biology Professional Registers

Annual Fees

Membership

grade

Total Fee* Post Nominal

RSciTech Affiliate £81 RSciTech

RSci

Affiliate £81 RSci

Associate £89 AMSB,RSci

* Includes Membership of SB and Science Council Registration Fee

Membership

grade

Total Fee* Post Nominal

CSci

Member £146 MSB, CSci

Fellow £192 FSB, CSci

Society of Biology Professional Registers Annual Fees

* Includes Membership of SB and Science Council Registration Fee

Becoming professionally registeredRSciTech, RSci and Chartered Status

Hold a workshop on the application process focussing on competencies and how to submit this evidence

Hold fast track interviews for candidates

Provide model applications to help potential new registrants

Work with you to submit equivalency documents

Can be done as a group or 1:1 basis

We are very happy to:

Thank you

Reserve Slides

Professional Bodies in ScienceLicensed to award RSciTech, RSci and CSci status

Society of Biology

Association for Science Education

Institute of Biomedical Science

Institute of Food Science and Technology

Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine

Institution of Chemical Engineers

Royal Society of Chemistry

CPD - Points System

How much time is 50 points?

• On average 2 CPD points = 1hour• 50 points ~ 25 hours per year• Society of Biology CPD Approved Events = 3 points• Examples for each category count for on average 2 points• Element of reflective practice needed

Doesn’t CPD mean I have to attend external conferences and meetings?

• Absolutely not!• Many of in house training courses can count• Don’t forget in house mentoring, supervision• Devising equipment for practicals• Manufacturers session on use of their technology, equipment etc.

Competencies -1Key is to provide examples from your work

RSci Tech - Application of Knowledge and Understanding

Competencies - 2Key is to provide examples from your work

RSci - Application of Knowledge and Understanding

Competencies - 3Key is to provide examples from your work

CSci - Application of Knowledge and Understanding