Professional Registers in Science A brief guide

1. Professional Registers in ScienceA brief guide Cliff Collis NEPIC February 2013

2. Professional Registers in ScienceProfessional Recognition and Development Professional Development Pathway of Increasing knowledge, skills and competencies

3. Applications Process Not joined SB Already joined SB • RSciTech at Affiliate £81 • RSci at Affiliate £81 or Associate Grade £89 • CSci at Member £146 or Fellow £193Grade Apply to join Apply for registration • Educational qualifications or equivalent • Professional competencies • CPD • Adherence to code of conduct • Letter of support by supervisor Society of Biology Staff • Assessment panel • Fast Track Assessment • Panel Meets every 3-4 months • Panel 1 RSciTech and RSci • Panel 2 CSci External Assessors Award Given Science Council UK Register • Annual CPD (2.5% assessed pa)

4. Getting on the professional registers What will the Society of Biology assess? * Areas explored i. Applying Knowledge to work ii. Understanding techniques used iii. Interpreting data and quality control On the job training contributes to equivalency

5. Examples of competences Registered Science Technician Application of knowledge and understanding RSci Tech – Apply knowledge of underlying concepts and principles associated with your work– Evidence that you can explain the major reasons as to the purpose and importance of your work for the project or department you are working for. RSci – Apply underlying scientific concepts, principles and techniques in the context of new and different areas of work i. A description of the underlying scientific concepts behind the application, techniques or methods you are using. ii. How you applied these principles for new and/or different processes in your work

6. Professional Registers in Science Benefits for employers • Their Employees • Have externally assessed and validated skills, knowledge and competencies. • Committed to CPD and a Code of Conduct • Increase skill level amongst employees. • Raise value of employees within the organisation. • Influencing development • Potential to be on advisory panel overseeing implementation and development • Potential to be on 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

7. Professional Registers in Science Benefits for employees • Professional development • Potential to develop to Chartered Status • Access to life long learning, CPD, professional networks and dedicated meetings • Professional recognition • Externally validated nationally recognised award • Raised standard or expertise • Pan science professional award • Improved status and recognition • Enhanced career progression • Letters RSciTech, Rsci or CSci after your name • Membership of the Society of Biology • Influencing development • Potential to be on advisory panel overseeing implementation and development or assessor panel to maintain standards • Potential to be a champion, giving careers talks - raise profile of vocational training and professional development

8. Potential Next Steps We are very happy to: • Talk to managers who may be interested in the Registers for their employees • Talk to your staff who may be interested in applying for professional registration • Hold a workshop at your place of work on the application process focussing on competencies and how to submit this evidence • Hold a fast track workshop at your place of work to enrol employees on the spot • Provide help, phone or email, to potential new registrants The Registers are under license from the Science Council & The Society of Biology is funded by the Gatsby Foundation