Career Development for Technical Staff and Scientists Kevin Oxley FIScT CSci Established 1948 • Formed in 1948 and granted certificate of incorporation in 1954 to become the Institute of Science Technology (IST). • The IST has had a long tradition in the promotion and development of science and practice of laboratory science technology. • We now reach out to provide individual and focused professional support to a wide group of specialist, technical, and managerial colleagues in a broad range of environments such as science, engineering, industry and education. Benefits ● Professional Body for lab technicians, technical specialists and technical managers ● Run by technicians for technicians ● Members in UK and overseas, working in industry, education, research and public services ● Graded membership structure related to qualifications and experience ● Post-nominal letters depending on grade of membership awarded ● Focusing on the individual and their technical skills rather than subject / workplace Benefits ● Licensed by the Science Council to award entry on its Professional Registers (RSciTech, RSci and CSci) ● Involved with national bodies and organisations concerned with technical qualifications and other aspects of professional life, e.g. unionlearn, Sector Skills Councils, HEaTED, UKSPA, awarding bodies, etc. ● Mentoring support network for new members ● Journal published twice a year ● Annual conference ● Special interest groups ● Gives members access to specialist advice and guidance for personal development and technical queries Issues for technicians? • • • • • Moving on and up? Getting a new job? Getting recognition? Worried about job security? Improving skills? The Swans Feet “If people don’t know what a good job we do, then the risk is that what we do becomes undervalued.” The 21st Century Technician Collaborate on cutting edge research resulting in co-author publications in high impact scientific journals Technicians carry out research in their own right More than 50% of UK technicians have a degree and a significant number have a MSc or PhD Technicians are experts in their subject, often presenting their research at UK and overseas conferences • The Government through the Department of Business Innovation and skills and in partnership with HEFCE and the Science Council have researched all sectors in the UK employing technical staff and have concluded that the weakest area is the HE sector. • Very few technical staff can prove competency although their work can impact on a university’s reputation both in teaching and research. • External funders are already asking for proof of competency with the Research Councils, EU and eventually REF requiring a return. What Challenges Do Technicians Face? • Feeling under valued, low social status • Higher management and those in senior positions within the University do not know what technicians do and how vital they are to the success of the organisation • Professional development opportunities • Concerns over job security • No clear career pathway/progression • No representation at senior management level The changing landscape and the need to demonstrate competence Sustaining the UK’s position for delivering teaching and research in a rapidly changing environment The registration system and the need for engagement The Professional Technician Providing high quality teaching and research. Working in partnership for the benefit of the technical community HE Institutions need a highly skilled, motivated and respected workforce Professional Registration • Registration is awarded by Licensed Bodies, through professional bodies of the Science Council, e.g. Institute of Science & Technology. • Professional registration captures your career development and on the job learning alongside any formal qualifications. • Professional registration gives you the competitive edge. Science registers Common Reasons Why Individuals Don’t Think Professional Registration Is for Them • Why change things? • I’m too old, this is something for the young • What’s in it for me? • I don’t have the right qualifications so I can’t become registered • I can’t afford the fees • I work in IT so it’s not relevant to me Competency At Different Levels RSci Tech RSci CSci defined problems complex problems complex concepts with self direction Professional pathways RSciTech RSci CSci Registered Science Technician Registered Scientist Chartered Scientist QCF level 3 QCF level 5 QCF level 7 Advanced Apprenticeship A-Level, NVQ3 HND, FdSc, some Higher Apprenticeships MSc, MSci, etc CPD standards, code of conduct and competency areas are all common across the registers Filling in the form The application form asks you to demonstrate that you can fulfil the following competencies: • Application of knowledge and understanding • Personal responsibility • Interpersonal skills • Professional practice • Professional standards What do Registrants say I had nothing to really show that my career had progressed with the experience I had gained It is being recognised as an expert in my field. The IST have been really supportive and it is good to feel part of a wider Technical family! Professional Registration will strengthen your hand in the job market. If people don’t know what a good job we do, then the risk is that what we do becomes undervalued. Why encourage your team? Why encourage your team • • • • • • • • Targeted career training and development Nationally registered CV and CPD updates Database of accredited career history Professional recognition Creation of a talent pool Improve morale Job security Key, flexible technical support Underpinning Knowledge = Competency report Competencies Filling in the report »Why »What »How Specific examples from what you do or have done Cost • Science Council Registration = £35 • IST Membership = £5-54 • Renewal cost = £25 How Registration has Benefitted Technicians at UOS • • • • • • • • • Gained engagement from our VC Financed membership and registration fees Those who gained registration asked to be champions for registration Set up TechNet Included Professional Registration as an essential in job vacancies Proved competency in grant applications Selling point for industrial contracts Promotion Race for departments to announce all staff are competent How Registration has Benefitted me • • • • • • • • Substantially increased my profile Promotion Career contribution award Increased collaboration Recognised as a leader in promoting technical values Invited to speak about the value of technicians across the UK Featured in University webpages as first person to achieve Chartered Scientist Protect my future Contact us The Institute of Science & Technology Kingfisher House 90 Rockingham Street Sheffield S1 4EB Tel: 0114 276 3197 Email: office@istonline.org.uk Web: www.istonline.org.uk