The role of radiation protection societies in tackling the skills shortage and development of young professionals and researchers

• Published in: Journal of radiological protection Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. S79 - S88
• Main Author: Bryant, Peter A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England IOP Publishing 01.09.2021
• Subjects: professional development; radiation protection; skills gap; Professional Development; Skills Gap; Radiation Protection
• ISSN: 0952-4746; 1361-6498
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/abf815

Over the last 10 years there have been increasing concerns raised of a potential skills gap in field of radiation protection. Noting these concerns in 2019 the Society for Radiological Protection, the UK's Chartered Professional Body, launched a study to determine the radiation protection demand in the UK going forward along with the capacity of the profession. The initial results show that over 50% of the SRP membership retires in the next 10 -15 years, coupled with an increase in radiation protection demand across the nuclear fuel cycle, medical sector and advancement of new technologies or applications requiring radiation protection advice. This provides strong evidence supporting the concerns of a future skills gap. This paper presents a framework highlighting 3 core objectives that need to be met to resolve the skills gap. A review of the existing initiatives being undertaken by the Society of Radiological Protection to meet these objectives is included identifying both areas of good practice and areas for further work or development. A key theme to tackling this challenge has been identified as the need to foster greater collaboration between RP professionals, and organisations both within the UK and abroad, such as IRPA, the National Societies, Employers, Academia and Industry. This brings the unique opportunity of directing efforts and resources to a common goal, and allowing the sharing of good practice, whilst reducing the strain and burden on any one organisation. Another key output of the review was the need to embrace new and innovative solutions to developing our profession and importantly inspiring and communicating to the future of the profession.