Engagement in the professional journey Suhel Miah MSc, FIScT University of Westminster

Who am I? Experience: Trainee Technician - Technician - Senior Technician – Head Technician - Laboratory Manager – Laboratory & Clinical Services Manager Education & Professional Standing: MSc European Politics & Fellow of the IST Current Roles: Ambassador, IST London Regional Coordinator, HEaTED Lead Consultant, Lab Management UK Student, MBA

Why am I here? To highlight the role of the IST in the professional journey To highlight the value of the Science Council’s professional registration scheme Conduct an activity to engage everyone, so we can do more to support your professional journey

About us The professional body for specialist, technical and managerial staff Supports professionals in Schools/FE/HE/industry with national and international membership On the journey to support the recognition and professional standing Add value and recognition as professionals with membership titles A licensed body of the UK Science Council. The IST can award your registered status (RSci & RSciTech) Registered Practioner Scheme – an IST register for colleagues in the arts and specialist areas

Recognition of the arts based specialists within the IST ‘The IST is a Professional Body that I believe will play an important role in promoting tomorrows’ professionals in all fields.’ Kuldip Singh, FIScT – Technical Support Manager, School of Music, Humanities and Media, University of Huddersfield.

What is the professional registration scheme about? Providing recognition for the role you're in now, as well as a framework to support / enhance your future career development / prospects Providing wider recognition for skills gained through work Demonstrating your commitment to employers, colleagues and clients Creating a broader community of scientists and specialists working across a huge range of sectors and disciplines

Achieving and maintaining Registered awards? Become a member of a professional body, such as the IST Apply through the professional body to register as a RSci or RSciTech. Application fee (£25) Annual revalidation through engagement in CPD is the process by which Registrants retain the RSci or RSciTech award and remain on the Register

Benefits of IST membership Low cost membership Fast track membership Special offer: 18 months for the price of 12 Accepts experience – supports those without degree level education – supports those technicians without degrees Supports and develops your career and interests, professional standing, knowledge and skills and network of contacts Quarterly journal, news updates, conferences and seminars

What is the value of professional registration? Registration captures what you already know and do – not a case of re- training Demonstrate you also maintain the knowledge and competence you’ve developed over many years Recognition for the role you're in now, as well as a framework to support your future career development Demonstrate your professionalism to employers, colleagues and clients Registration is transferable across industry sectors – good for your mobility Become part of a broader community of scientists and specialists working across a huge range of sectors and disciplines

Activity in three parts The professional journey is more important now than perhaps ever before. How can we engage technicians to take up the professional registers scheme? Part A: On your own and using post-it notes, identify two ways we can engage technicians in the professional registration scheme. (2 Minutes)

Activity in three parts The professional journey is more important now than perhaps ever before. How can we engage technicians to take up the professional registers scheme? Part B: Share your answers with others on your table and decide as a group, three key ways (include reason) we can engage technicians in the professional registration scheme. (5 Minutes)

Activity result The professional journey is more important now than perhaps ever before. How can we engage technicians to take up the professional registers scheme? Part C: Share your answers with everyone – use flip chart paper to write the three key ways to engage technicians (include reason) and place it on the wall. (3 Minutes)

Summary Prepare for the changes and challenges Recognition and professional standing Engagement in learning, development and training – crucial in the professional journey Develop and enhance your career prospects

Contact us The Institute of Science & Technology Kingfisher House, 90 Rockingham Street Sheffield S1 4EB Tel: Fax: Web: