Professional recognition for microbiologists at the Society of Biology

Microbiology is an extremely diverse branch of the biological sciences, offering those working in sectors such as food, water and waste valuable careers in academia, industry, education or research. However, competition remains high and it is increasingly essential that scientists working within this field can demonstrate transferable skills. Continuing professional development is therefore vital for the microbiologists of today.

The Society of Biology’s Professional Registers in Science provides support to scientists for professional recognition and development at all levels and stages of their career. Under a license from the Science Council, the Society of Biology offers three levels of professional recognition and development awards: Registered Science Technician (RSciTech), Registered Scientist (RSci) and Chartered Scientist (CSci). The registers are a UK-recognised pan-science scheme regulated by the Science Council, and the Society of Biology is one of eight professional bodies licensed to award professional recognition.

In order to become professionally registered, applicants must join the Society of Biology and demonstrate how their relevant skills and experience (gained in the work place) fit the competency requirements in five areas for professional registration: application of knowledge and understanding, personal responsibility, interpersonal skills, professional practice and professional standards.

Applicants can apply online by completing the Society of Biology application form; applications are then sent for external evaluation by Society of Biology assessors. Alternatively, the Society of Biology also runs professional registration by interview, whereby candidates are given the opportunity to discuss with our assessors how their skills fit the competency requirements.

 

The award means that the level of work that I undertake has been externally verified as meeting an established standard. This gives me greater confidence in the value of my work

Stuart Phillips, a Scientist from Life Scan (Scotland), received the Registered Scientist (RSci) professional award by interview with the Society of Biology; he is pleased to have received this: ‘The award means that the level of work that I undertake has been externally verified as meeting an established standard. This gives me greater confidence in the value of my work’.

By gaining professional registration, scientists and technicians are awarded one of the above nationally recognised post-nominal letters. Gaining this status demonstrates the skills, competencies and experience of registrants and signals their commitment and dedication to gaining external verification of their ability. Ultimately, therefore, these awards highlight the transferable skills of registrants.

 

I see this as recognition of 30 years of working as a technician

Sara White, a Senior Biology Technician (City of London School) received Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) by applying through the Society of Biology online application system. She says: ‘I see this as recognition of 30 years of working as a technician.’

Candidates need to submit evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year to maintain their professional registration and again this signals dedication to gaining new skills, knowledge and experience. The Society of Biology has developed a simple but thorough online system for recording and submission of CPD.

Guidance for all the Society of Biology professional registers and our CPD scheme can be found on the Society of Biology website.

For employers, professional registration clearly demonstrates external recognition of the skills, competencies and experiences of their employees. In addition, maintaining professional registration via CPD signals their dedication for professional development.

 

This scheme is a great way for analysts to get recognition for their development and skills which they cannot get from their job title. The analysts had a real sense of achievement when they got their new recognition

Karen Heaton, Microbiological Services Manager at Severn Trent Water, says: ‘This scheme is a great way for analysts to get recognition for their development and skills which they cannot get from their job title. The analysts had a real sense of achievement when they got their new recognition.’

Through training and development in the workplace, Registered Science Technicians and Registered Scientists may become eligible to move along a pathway of progression of work towards Chartered Scientist status. Chartered Scientist status provides a benchmark for scientists working in more senior or managerial roles in science, and is recognised as a hallmark of excellence in the UK and the European Union.

For more information on professional recognition for microbiologists, contact Joanne Needham at the Society of Biology: [email protected].

Members of the Microbiology Society can enjoy a 50% discount on Society of Biology membership for the first 2 years. For further details please contact Mark Leach: [email protected].

The Society of Biology’s Professional Registers in Science is supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

Joanne Needham

Professional Registers Officer, Society of Biology