IBMS statement on reflective practice

Having considered the implications, real and perceived, IBMS Council has produced a statement in support of our members and their use of their reflective practice.

In Council’s view, effective reflection of experience based learning is an important part of professional development. It can allow professional practice to be enhanced and improved, training or support needs identified, modifications made to practice and effective practice to be shared. Council would, therefore, encourage our members to use reflection to show how their learning has benefitted their practice, service delivery and service users.

Biomedical Scientists registered with the HCPC must undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to remain registered. The HCPC has set standards for CPD as well as Standards of Proficiency which registrants must meet to protect members of the public.

The Science Council also require registered professional scientists to annually revalidate their registration status, making an annual declaration that they comply with the Science Council CPD standards.

HCPC and Science Council CPD standards require that registrants ensure that their CPD:

• is continuous and up-to-date
• has contributed to the quality of their practice and service delivery, and
• benefits service users.

To show that they meet HCPC and Science Council CPD standards IBMS members should continue using reflection based on learning outcomes and through ‘learning by doing’, reflecting on their good and bad everyday experiences in the workplace. 

Since the outcome of this case the Health and Social Care Secretary, Jeremy Hunt has announced a review into the application of gross negligence manslaughter in healthcare and we will highlight further information when it becomes available.