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 Development Pathway 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 qualificationCandidates 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? Underpinning knowledge Formal qualifications On the job training Competencies Application of knowledge & understanding Personal responsibility Interpersonal skills Professional practice Professional standards Code of conduct Science Council Society of Biology CPD Commitment to CPD On the job training contributes to equivalency * Areas explored i. Applying Knowledge to work ii. Understanding techniques used iii. Interpreting data and quality control

Maintaining Professional Registration Annual submission of CPD Supervising staff, students Reflective practice Work based learning (Max 20 points) Involvement in a professional body mentoring Professional activity (Max 20 points) Writing articles, papers Writing procedures Further education Formal/educational (Max 20 points) Reading journals, books Reviewing articles, books Self directed learning (Max 10 points) Voluntary work Public service Other (Max 10 points)  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 Employees Have 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 development Potential 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 Perceptions Vocational 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£81RSciTech RSci Affiliate£81RSci Associate£89AMSB,RSci * Includes Membership of SB and Science Council Registration Fee

Membership grade Total Fee*Post Nominal CSci Member£146MSB, CSci Fellow£192FSB, CSci Society of Biology Professional Registers Annual Fees * Includes Membership of SB and Science Council Registration Fee

Becoming professionally registered RSciTech, 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 Science Licensed 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 -1 Key is to provide examples from your work RSci Tech - Application of Knowledge and Understanding

Competencies - 2 Key is to provide examples from your work RSci - Application of Knowledge and Understanding

Competencies - 3 Key is to provide examples from your work CSci - Application of Knowledge and Understanding