The Science Council has updated its assessment criteria for Chartered Scientist (CSci) to bring standards of chartership in line with the new career framework for professional scientists, independent of discipline.
The Chartered Scientist register was first launched in 2004, since which time the scheme has recognised the achievements of numerous members of the Nuclear Institute.
New standards representing career progression in the professional practice of science were published in 2011, which included the Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) and Registered Scientist (RSci) designations. Over the last 18 months, the Registration Authority has consulted with professional bodies, employers and registrants to update the CSci standards as well.
The Nuclear Institue was involved in the consultation process, which ran over the course of 6 months, led by the Science Council’s Registration Authority.
Dr Bob Chaplow, Chair of the Registration Authority, says of these changes:
“There has never been a greater need for professional standards in science and we have been delighted by the positive response through the consultation phase from the Licensed Bodies.
The changes we have made to the Chartered Scientist standards will ensure that they are relevant to employers and clear to applicants. This update completes our professional standards framework and will help to make career progression a reality for scientists, irrespective of their background or route in to science.”
Clive Smith, Chair of the Nuclear Institute Membership and Standards Committee, welcomed the update to the CSci Standards and the revised Competence Report Guidance. He noted that this gave individuals a clear view of their career progression pathway and provided well-defined guidance to interviewers and assessors.
The new assessment standards for Chartered Scientist (CSci), licensed by the Science Council and currently awarded by 29 professional bodies, will be rolled out over the next 12 months.