The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) recently unveiled its long-term biomedical scientist workforce plan, including a strategy for the UK to develop the biomedical scientist workforce to operate at the highest levels of practice through training, experience and professional qualifications.
Diagnostic laboratory services are undergoing a science and technology-driven innovation revolution that requires its workforce to learn, train and work differently, while there is also a demand for more diagnostics. To meet these challenges, the IBMS is now outlining how to support and upskill the biomedical scientist workforce in a manner that is safe, efficient and meets nationally recognised standards for the whole of the UK. The workforce plan was recently launched at the IBMS Congress 2023.
The key aims of the plan are to work with the UK governments to:
- Introduce a registration training grant for departments to train individuals completing their IBMS Registration Training Portfolio
- Expand the number of training positions and enable more biomedical science graduates to become registered biomedical scientists and prevent an interruption in the pipeline of talent
- Ensure biomedical scientists are recognised as the key health service workforce in pathology and diagnostics, with IBMS qualifications as the primary route to its further development
- Enable support and cooperation from NHSE and UK governments to deliver the pledges set out throughout the plan.
IBMS Chief Executive, David Wells, said: “This essential workforce plan will give the 27,000 biomedical scientists registered in the UK the support and opportunities they need to keep pace with their rapidly changing profession and their patients’ growing needs.
"The IBMS has shown that it is the organisation with the experience, infrastructure, network and resources required to develop the flexible and adaptable workforce needed to meet the growing and changing requirements of our patients and society.
"With our help, the wider capacity of the workforce will be unlocked and with more biomedical scientists we will see faster adoption of cutting-edge technology and increased innovation – making the UK a global leader in diagnostics.”
