New Technicians' Register Scheme

Technicians often have unique skills and expertise that are essential to the successful running of many companies, universities, and research establishments, covering such diverse biological areas as general and clinical microbiology, animal husbandry, plant science, ecology and health care to name but a few. This diversity in itself often means that it is difficult for individual technicians to have a sense of being part of a wider profession, and to assess and recognise competence across the whole profession.

Membership of the register will give technicians a new shared sense of identity, a professional code of conduct, and provide a common platform for assessing competency. This in turn will also provide a framework for continuing professional development and a professional career pathway. Timescales are not yet fixed but the launch of a pilot, after wider consultation in the spring, should be possible.

In parallel, the NHS is looking at ways to develop the NHS career framework through its “Modernising Scientific Workforce in the UK” initiative. This will include the work of many technicians and the associated training and education needed to support them professionally. In looking at the Technicians' Register we will seek to work closely with the NHS to ensure as much synergy as possible.

This new initiative alongside broader work on apprenticeships and sector skills gaps is set to be a major area of work for all professional bodies over the next five years. The Society of Biology is pleased to be working with the Science Council and the Gatsby Charitable Trust to provide this significant opportunity for technicians working in biology in its widest sense everywhere.

For more information contact:
Dr Cliff Collis – cliffcollis@societyofbiology.org