Ensuring the NHS has the biomedical scientist workforce it needs for the future

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Long Term Biomedical Scientist Workforce Plan presents a bold strategy for the UK to develop the biomedical scientist workforce to operate at the highest levels of practice through training, experience and professional qualifications.

After welcoming the publication and the commitments of the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan, the IBMS committed to ensuring that the biomedical scientist workforce will be featured and a key part of its successful delivery.

Diagnostic laboratory services are undergoing a science and technology-driven innovation revolution that requires its workforce to learn, train and work differently. Combine this with the current need for more diagnostics and we must accept that the requirements of the UK’s patients can only be met by a biomedical scientist workforce that is committed to increasing capacity, knowledge and skills.

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 key aims of the Long Term Biomedical Scientist Workforce 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.” Read our plan to make it happen

The IBMS Long Term Biomedical Scientist Workforce Plan is being launched at IBMS Congress 2023 at 3pm Tuesday 26th September 20

About The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

With over 21,000 members in 74 countries, the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in the field of biomedical science.

For over 100 years we have been dedicated to the promotion, development and delivery of excellence in biomedical science within all aspects of healthcare, and to providing the highest standards of service to patients and the public.

While supporting our members in their practice, we set quality standards for the profession through: training, education, assessments, examinations and continuous professional development. We also offer research grants to members to advance biomedical science, supporting their original research into scientific developments.

Our publications and training events ensure our members are kept up to date on the latest scientific developments and news.

Through public relations and marketing campaigns, we raise awareness of the vital role biomedical science plays in healthcare and promote career opportunities in the profession.