Menu

Join an IBMS advisory panel

Join an IBMS advisory panel
1 January 2019
There are currently vacancies on each of the IBMS advisory panels, and the virology discipline is also looking for a Deputy Chief Examiner


Our eight specialist advisory panels are vital in ensuring the success of the Institute’s work.
Each panel is made up of around twelve "expert" members that include a Chair, Deputy Chair, Chief Examiner, two Deputy Chief Examiners, a Company Member and approximately six “ordinary” members. There are panels for cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, cytopathology, haematology, immunology, medical microbiology, transfusion science and virology. 

"Being a panel member helps me to stay up to date with the plans and policies affecting pathology services in my discipline, and to contribute to them. It has broadened my network, my understanding of how laboratories around the country deal with issues and challenges and deepened my knowledge of current hospital laboratory practice.” 

Sarah Pitt

The work of the panel members includes: 

  • Organising the scientific programme for their discipline for the IBMS Congress and contributing to other aspects of this major event
  • Working with the Institute on revisions to the existing, and the development of new, professional qualifications, such as the Specialist Portfolio, Diploma of Expert Practice and Higher Specialist Diploma (HSD)
  • Representing the Institute on local and national groups and committees
  • Commenting on revisions to Institute professional guidance documents
  • Acting as a source of advice on a range of topics, including patient/service users, emerging technologies and laboratory training
  • Working with the Institute’s Education and Professional Standards Committee and other working groups
“One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a panel member is helping to organise Congress – working with colleagues to find interesting and topical speakers and liaising with panel members on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Another aspect I enjoy is meeting colleagues from across the country, working together to keep the Institute ahead of developments in clinical chemistry and thereby supporting our members and the profession.”

Joanna Andrew

In order to be able to join as an "ordinary" member you need to have:

  • Institute Member or Fellow status
  • Scientific or managerial experience in your chosen discipline
  • Evidence of liaison with professional and/or academic contacts
  • Chartered Scientist (CSci) status is also desirable, although non-chartered individuals can be appointed initially as a co-opted member, moving to full membership once chartered
“I have gained so much from panel membership, mainly from networking with panel members and finding out what is going on in laboratories across the country. Being involved with the panel allows you to keep up to date and also input into projects that impact on your discipline and on the congress programme. There is a tremendous amount to gain from exchanging information with panel members which has helped me with UKAS accreditation and CPD and a real feeling of satisfaction from inputting to national decisions.”

Allan Wilson

Deputy Chief Examiner applicants can have Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy status, rather than CSci status, and should be able demonstrate:

  • Academic experience through employment or part-time lecturing
  • Experience of setting, marking and monitoring professional exams
  • Experience of facilitating or delivering training

Our Deputy Chief Examiners help to ensure the successful delivery of the HSD by working together to set the exam papers and to mark the portfolios and exams within their chosen discipline and by attending the candidate preparation day events. The standard term of appointment for each position on the panel is four years, with the option for further re-appointment. Panel meetings are held twice a year at the IBMS, and reasonable expenses are covered.   

If you are interested, please send a copy of your CV and a supporting letter from your manager to Chris Ward, Head of Examinations (examinations@ibms.org), before 11th January 2019. 

Back to news listing