PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Building a resilient future: establishing a Community of Practice
Victoria Bradley, Nicola Rouse, Sheri Scott, Tracey Elsam and Raymond Toghill present the vision, research framework, and collaborative ethos behind their project to establish a Community of Practice for advanced and consultant biomedical scientists.
Across the United Kingdom, the role of the biomedical scientist has evolved rapidly in recent years. Nowhere is this more evident than in the expanding responsibilities of those practising at advanced and consultant levels. These senior professionals sit at the intersection of clinical science, leadership, innovation and education. They are shaping the
diagnostic services of tomorrow, yet many remain professionally isolated, with limited access to clearly defined pathways for progression, structured peer-support, or mentorship. In response, a new Community of Practice (CoP) is being established for advanced and consultant biomedical scientists, and those aspiring to these
roles. The research into developing the CoP is being funded through an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Research Grant under the theme ‘Opportunities and challenges in becoming a consultant biomedical scientist’. The research group is a partnership of academics and clinical practitioners from Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, The Open University and Nottingham Trent University. This initiative seeks to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable peer network that will both support individuals and strengthen the profession.
This article introduces the vision,
research framework, and collaborative ethos behind the project, outlining how it aligns with the IBMS Corporate Strategy 2022 and the broader workforce plans shaping the future of biomedical science.
The rationale
Biomedical scientists in advanced and consultant roles are increasingly central to the delivery of autonomous, high-quality diagnostic services. Yet as these roles have grown, so too have the challenges: n siloed working within laboratories and regional networks
n poorly defined career pathways and role boundaries
n limited mentorship or structured leadership development
n inconsistent access to organisational support and resources
n overlap with other advanced scientific roles, such as clinical scientists.
The absence of a unified network for senior biomedical scientists has limited opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, collective influence, and support.
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM DECEMBER 2025
For many – particularly those working outside large teaching hospitals or specialist centres – this results in professional isolation and a lack of visible role models. The absence of a unified network for these senior practitioners has limited opportunities for collaboration,
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