IBMS Council – meeting highlights

Congress and major events

• Council agreed to keep IBMS Congress at the ICC in Birmingham for 2027, 2029 and 2031.
• The ICC remains the only venue that can host Congress at the required scale, with a layout that supports the expansive range of scientific sessions, exhibition and networking.
• The new agreement includes capped increases in costs so that Congress remains affordable.
• The established September/October timing will continue, reflecting delegate feedback and the event’s place in the professional calendar.

Registration, CRM and member services

• Council discussed member concerns about the new CRM system and the impact on registration portfolios and other services.
• Current data show a longest waiting time of around 60 days for registration portfolio processing, in line with the published KPI, but Council acknowledged that some members have experienced delays and frustration.
• Additional staff have been recruited and further resource is planned as part of Phase 2 of the CRM project. This next phase will focus on:
  • Reducing manual processes.
  • Improving online joining, renewals, certificates and event booking.
• Council asked for clearer communication to members about system changes, backlogs and timelines so people know what to expect and where to seek support.

Education, training and career pathways

• IBMS has completed one of the largest post-pandemic surveys of practice placement capacity, with input from more than 50 universities and over 200 service representatives. The results will help inform national discussions on training capacity and support.
• Certificates of Expert Practice are moving to a new virtual learning platform, planned for launch in January.
• Council revisited the idea of an experiential route to Member grade for experienced biomedical scientists who do not hold a specialist portfolio.
  • Members have raised concerns about progression barriers for long-serving staff at band 6 and above.
  • Any potential route would need to protect standards and support, rather than replace, existing qualifications.
  • Work will continue across membership and education to explore options that balance fairness, workforce needs and financial sustainability.

Membership, recognition and awards

• Council received an update on the Membership and Marketing Committee’s work to review:
  • The approach to 50-year membership medals, including how to improve presentations while managing workload and data protection requirements.
  • The IBMS Awards, which will move to a more sustainable format in 2026 while seeking to broaden nominations and recognition.
• Biomedical Science Day 2026 will take place on 4 June 2026 and will mark the 10th anniversary of the event.
  • Plans include regional Learning Lab activity, work with schools and universities, and a stronger national profile for members’ contributions to healthcare.

 Policy, research and advocacy

• The Strategic Research Group has selected the next policy project, focusing on how diagnostics support a clinically uneventful maternity pathway. The report is expected to contribute to maternity safety and service planning debates.
• Work continues on the independent review of NHS/HSC laboratory services with Lord Carter.
  • This will bring together national data and frontline insight from all four nations to inform future planning and investment.
• IBMS is also:
  • Working with the National Pharmacy Association on guidance for safe point-of-care testing in community pharmacies.
  • Contributing to national discussions on innovation, non-medical roles and life sciences skills, ensuring biomedical scientists are visible in workforce and technology planning.

Finances and reserves

• Council reviewed the budget and reserves position. A planned deficit this year is being used to support strategic projects, improved services and policy work.
• Overall reserves and investments remain strong, allowing IBMS to invest in services, qualifications and advocacy while maintaining financial stability. 

Leadership update

• This was the final Council meeting for Joanna Andrew as President.
• Council recorded its thanks for her leadership and for representing the profession across the UK and internationally.
• The new President, Sarah Pitt, will be formally welcomed at Council and the Presidents’ Dinner in February 2026.

Date of next meeting

Friday 6th February