Radiographers to benefit from pioneering career framework

Published: 17 August 2016 Ezine

The NHS in North West London is pioneering new career opportunities for diagnostic radiographers in collaboration with the SCoR and HEE.

The collaboration will see the introduction of a new competency-based career framework, which will increase exposure to learning opportunities and tie in with the SCoR career progression framework

The aim is for an area-wide adoption of the career framework to increase the number of diagnostic radiographers choosing to work and stay working in the area.

It has been designed to enable radiographers to identify their development needs, demonstrate a clear career pathway and provide greater understanding of the career opportunities available in NW London.

Radiographers will have:

  • increased career options with opportunities to train in ultrasonography and expand into areas such as specialist reporting
  • clear guidelines of the skills and training needed to enable career progression
  • opportunities to move between hospitals locally to take advantage of a range of experiences.

Charlotte Beardmore, Director of Professional Policy at the SCoR said: “We are pleased to be working alongside the NHS in NW London.

“We know that nationally there can be challenges in recruiting and retaining the radiography workforce and this is often due to the lack of investment in career development opportunities

“With an increased demand on clinical imaging resources we have to keep pace through increasing our workforce and support role development through workforce innovation.

“This collaborative approach is exciting.”

Dr Julia Whiteman, Postgraduate Dean, NW London at HEE commented: “Skills development and career progression are highly desired attributes reported by newly qualified radiographers.

“The framework offers clear training pathways and career progression that we hope will attract and retain radiographers and make radiography a highly sought after career in the future.”

The new career framework will be shaped throughout August in consultation with radiographers, clinicians, HR representatives and trade unions.

If you would like to get involved, please contact the NW London Workforce team at [email protected]