Radiation Protection Today - Spring 2022 | Page 28

Tackling the Skills Gap

Professional Registration , the What and the Why
Professional Registration is effectively a licence to practice in your profession , allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge , understanding and competence . It shows your employers that you meet the qualifications and experience expected from your profession , and it also demonstrates your continual commitment to maintain professional standards and knowledge , by enhancing and developing competence .
In the field of radiation protection , there are three levels of Professional Registration . These are awarded by the Radiation Protection Council , the UK ' s registration authority , which was established under SRP ' s Royal Charter . For details on the various levels and how to apply , visit the SRP website or , should you want any advice , please reach out to the SRP Admin Office !
If you are successful in receiving Professional Registration you will commit to maintain a record of Continuing Professional Development ( CPD ) and will be required to make an annual declaration of participation .
Members of the Registration Approval Committee audit approximately 5 % of members ' Continuing Professional Development ( CPD ) records on an annual basis . CPD records for members who hold a specialised Certificate of Competence are not audited , as they are required to submit a portfolio every five years in order to retain their certificates .
The past two years have been challenging , with the normal CPD activities of many members affected by lockdown and the lack of conferences , meetings and even work . However , most managed to find a way of contributing to their development by participating in webinars , self-learning and reading . A number of SRP and AURPO members participated in a wide range of webinars as well as virtual conferences to overcome the difficulty of not being able to meet in person .

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The Audit Panel found great variation in the evidence submitted for CPD . Some had submitted only one piece of evidence , and some gave a detailed list of what had been read , but without a summary of what had been learned . It was felt that some members had difficulty deciding what was appropriate evidence . This may have been the first time they had been required to record their evidence .
Members may not realise that there is a comprehensive list of ” Types of CPD Activity and examples ” on the SRP website that may be used and submitted as evidence of CPD . Members are encouraged to log on to MySRP and visit the CPD Scheme and make use of this sample list for compiling their records .
“ I made the decision to apply for IRadP as I felt that this would provide my current employer , along with any possible future employers or clients , the assurance that I have gained a recognised level of professionalism .” John Case IRadP MSRP
“ My application to become a Chartered Radiation Protection Professional was to demonstrate my commitment to professional values and integrity .” Sarah Dorling CRadP MSRP
28 Radiation Protection Today www . srp-rpt . uk