Highly experienced Society of Radiographers members, working in clinical practice and education, are invited to apply to become assessors for the College of Radiographers (CoR).
CoR assessors play an important role in the evaluation and assessment of education provision on behalf of the College of Radiographers as part of the CoR programme approval process.
Kathryn Williamson, CoR professional officer, education and accreditation, explains: "College assessors are experienced members of the imaging and therapeutic radiography workforce, who hold a leading role in their specific area of practice or field of work. The college draws on the expertise of its assessors to ensure educational programmes seeking CoR approval align with professional body expectations and will meet the developing needs of the workforce and service.
“Central to this is the embedding of the CoR Education and Career Framework (ECF) through the approval process itself. Therefore, CoR programme approval supports the development and delivery of high-quality learning and development opportunities for the workforce, which will ultimately improve outcomes for patients, service users and their families. Our assessors are crucial to the delivery of this important aspect of CoR work.”
Who can apply to be an assessor?
Applications are invited from SoR members currently working in clinical practice and/or academia who are interested in assessing across any of the following areas:
- Pre-registration education programmes, including apprenticeships
- Post-graduate education programmes, including apprenticeships, across all modalities
- Intravenous administration courses
"We especially encourage those who have strong experience in therapeutic radiography degree programmes, diagnostic radiography degree apprenticeships, forensic imaging, MRI, CT and CTC imaging,” Kathryn continued.
The benefits of becoming an assessor include:
- The opportunity to share your expertise and positively impact pre and/or post-registration radiography education provision throughout the UK and Ireland.
- The opportunity to raise your personal profile and grow your network with others.
- The opportunity to develop your own knowledge and professional practice, through engaging in consultancy to acquire an element of non-clinical CPD as evidence for your own professional registration and development.
- A deeper understanding of the professional body’s standards, guidelines and professional policy and how these translate into educational strategy and workforce development and growth more widely.
- The opportunity to join the CoR assessor directory and become part of the CoR assessor community of practice.
- The opportunity to contribute to the profession more widely through the role of CoR assessor, acting as a professional advocate and ambassador for the work of the CoR.
- Development of stronger analytical and feedback skills, and much, much more!
What do current assessors think?
SoR members who are assessors speak highly of the experience. Nick White, CoR assessor and current vice chair of the Approval and Accreditation Board (AAB) said: “The assessor role is important work and enables colleagues to use their professional expertise for the greater good of the radiography profession. I have been an assessor for several years now, and every assessment I have undertaken has been enjoyable and has also informed my own approach to radiography education.
“This, in turn, has supported my own personal and professional development. The networks forged through the role are invaluable. A strength of the assessor’s role is the collegiate working with fellow radiography educators and practitioners. I have learnt that liaison with the CoR assessor can be very reassuring for organisations in the lead-up to approval events. As assessors, we are all about helping and supporting others, whilst also assessing the rigour of provision and alignment to the ECF. It’s also always great to see the wellbeing of students, learners, educators and practice staff at the heart of this.
“Personally, having had responsibility for course development and approval for radiography courses within my own organisation, I have always found that liaison with the CoR assessor helps keep myself and colleagues laser-focused on the needs of the radiography profession.”
Yvonne Thackray, CoR assessor, AAB member and previous AAB chair, reflected on her experiences: “Becoming a CoR assessor has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional journey. As a clinical academic, I see it as both a privilege and a way to give back to our wonderful profession.
“Since 2006, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute as a critical friend in the approval and accreditation of a wide range of radiography programmes across the UK. I’ve also benefited from assessor training delivered by the CoR. From serving as an assessor and having been later elected to the Approval and Accreditation Board, where I also served as chair, I have deepened my understanding of educational standards and strengthened my leadership skills, both in my higher education institution and NHS advisory and leadership roles.
“The role has given me a clearer insight into the Education and Career Framework and how it underpins the four pillars of practice – clinical, education, research, and leadership. It has also allowed me to connect with professional, academic and national colleagues across the UK, all while being supported by the expert and approachable team at the CoR.
“I would highly recommend becoming a CoR assessor to anyone who wants to develop professionally, to advocate for high-quality education, and help shape the future of the radiographic workforce.
With a background in clinical practice as a consultant radiographer, Val Middleton, CoR assessor and AAB member, shared her thoughts: “As an assessor, you are shaping the radiography workforce of the future! You have the opportunity to influence and guide higher education institutions’ delivery of radiography education whilst learning further about the world of aligning academia with clinical practice and national policy.
“Gaining experience as a CoR assessor beyond my immediate clinical setting has provided me with expertise outside of my comfort zone. Practising as an assessor, and now too as a member of the CoR Approval and Accreditation Board, has provided me with further opportunities to extend my scope of knowledge and expertise, particularly through the education, leadership and consultancy pillars.
“As a result, the role has facilitated being a platform for my future career. It’s an honour to be an assessor and AAB member for the SCoR!”
How do I become an assessor?
If interested in becoming an assessor, applicants must be members of the Society of Radiographers and hold registration with the HCPC as a radiographer in the UK, or registration with another appropriate regulatory authority.
Clinical representatives must have a minimum of five years' clinical experience and hold a post-registration qualification in their area of expertise.
Academic representatives must understand current education policies and practice, be educated to Master’s degree level or equivalent, and hold a recognised post-registration teaching qualification. Evidence of experience in curriculum development for assessors wishing to approve educational programmes is also required.
To view the full list of assessor criteria, or to find out more about the work of assessors, or to apply, please visit the CoR Assessors webpage.
Application submissions remain open throughout the year.