The Institute of Biomedical Science

www.ibmscongress.com

IBMS education strategy

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) has a proud history of developing qualification and assessment processes in response to workforce needs.  These qualifications are designed to recognise and award IBMS members in their achievement of high standards of professional education and training in the field of biomedical science.

The aim of the Institute, to "promote biomedical science and those who practice biomedical science", is achieved through a variety of activities based on the premise that within its membership there is a unique body of knowledge that informs an examination and award framework for facilitating development and recognising professional excellence.  This enables the Institute and its members to respond and adapt to changing environments, scientific and technological advances, new legislation and evolving roles.

The Institute's education strategy ensures that the principles upon which the Institute is founded are maintained.  It fosters a culture of partnership and excellence to maintain a high quality and highly motivated biomedical science workforce that continues to develop biomedical science and enhance its role in the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of disease. 
 
The Institute's strategic priorities for the education strategy are:

Strategic Priority 1

To support the biomedical science workforce to be suitably knowledgeable and skilled so that it can advance and maintain high standards of professional practice in response to changing workforce and service needs.

Strategic Action

a) To ensure that the Institute's qualification and awards framework is built around four pillars of professional practice:

• application of biomedical science and its component disciplines;
• application and maintenance of regulation and continual professional development frameworks within biomedical science;
• development, application and maintenance of quality, leadership and management frameworks for biomedical scientists;
• research

b) To ensure that qualifications and awards take into account innovations and new ways of working within and across professions and that their value reflect changes in health and social care delivery.

c) To develop a structure for the training and recognition of biomedical science support staff and enhancement of career prospects.

Strategic Priority 2

To actively encourage all members and potential members to be fully engaged with continuing professional development and through education and training develop the competence of practitioners of biomedical science to deliver first class services and enhance the experience of patients and other service users.

Strategic Action

a) To provide the biomedical science workforce with the necessary tools to engage in CPD activities to enhance the quality of their individual practice and service to others.

b) To develop and encourage preceptorship for the support of newly qualified staff and enhance training and professional development within the profession.

Strategic Priority 3

To work with Institute members, education providers and others to ensure the development and maintenance of high standards of education and training as well as teaching and research in biomedical science both nationally and internationally.

Strategic Action

a) To foster partnership arrangements with employers, education providers and stakeholders to develop all levels of the biomedical science workforce in response to local, national and international needs. 

This education strategy was approved by IBMS Council in March 2011.

For further information please contact the IBMS office on 020 7713 0214 or education@ibms.org.

Tags: Education and development