Since publication of the first version of the Education and Professional Development (EPD) Strategy in 2002, many changes have been implemented in the delivery of healthcare. This new document supersedes the version Education & Professional Development: Moving Ahead first published in 2003 and revised in 2006. Many of the principles of practice that were outlined in that document are still relevant. For patients, staff and employers to benefit from the opportunities outlined, continual development, growth and embedding of professional skills and culture are essential. Just as professional development is required to support service delivery, the profession must work closely with employers to identify adequate resources to support development opportunities and to ensure that effort and skills are properly rewarded. Delivery of the strategy outlined in this new guidance cannot be achieved without the support of the profession as a whole.
The Society of Radiographers publishes this guidance regarding the provision of protected study time. Protected study time is defined as 'A contractually agreed allocation of hours or days per annum, to be taken by the employee for the purposes of self-directed study and other CPD activities'. This document gives guidance and provides radiographers, managers and union representatives with a clear understanding of the current policies of the Society of Radiographers in this regard.
This Protected Study Time (PST) Charter has been written specifically for all grades of radiographic professionals working in Scotland and is in response to the need to re-invigorate the campaign for PST in light of the legislative requirements from the regulatory body (Health Professions Council) as stated in article 19,4 of the Health Professions Order 2001.
This document sets out a strategy to enable the Society of Radiographers to secure meaningful participation in continuing professional development and lifelong learning for all its members. It sets out the obligations of the individual member, the responsibilities of the employer and the initiatives to be taken by the Society to achieve this aim.
Recent years have seen enormous advances in the approach taken to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This document builds on the existing policy of The Society and College of Radiographers and sets out clearly the definition of CPD, the professional
