PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
scientists across the UK, the CoP will not only strengthen individual capability but also amplify the collective voice of the profession. In doing so, it supports the IBMS mission to champion excellence, innovation, and professional recognition in laboratory medicine. Dr Victoria Bradley summarises the ethos succinctly: “This is more than professional development, it’s about building resilience, strengthening leadership, and shaping the future of biomedical science together. To every biomedical scientist at advanced and consultant levels, our message is simple: you are not alone. A new community is taking shape, one built by you and for you.”
The CoP will operate as an open learning ecosystem, encouraging members to share their own resources, case studies, and innovations.
project develops to ensure four nation representation.
Concept to Congress: launching the CoP The project was formally launched at IBMS Congress 2025, where attendees were invited to contribute ideas and reflections on the proposed community structure. Delegates engaged enthusiastically to discuss questions such as: What is missing in your current professional support network? Which activities would be most valuable in a CoP? What would success look like for you? Responses gathered during the launch event, and through an online accessible version of the survey, are beginning to shape the design of the CoP’s initial programmes. Participants also had the opportunity to join the project’s LinkedIn group which will serve as an interim communication platform until the dedicated digital hub launches. The Congress launch was more than an introduction, it marked the beginning of a national conversation about leadership, identity, and belonging within biomedical science. Initial review of the data gathered at the launch event indicated a high level of interest, with most respondents enthusiastic about joining and contributing.
The main barriers to participation
were limited time and heavy workloads; however, flexible and asynchronous engagement options could enhance participation. The key interests which emerged were career progression and cross-disciplinary collaboration. These insights, along with the results
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from the full online survey will inform the next phase of development, ensuring that the Community of Practice reflects the real needs and aspirations of its members. As the project evolves, continued collaboration and open dialogue will remain central to building a vibrant, inclusive space for biomedical scientists across the UK.
Sustaining momentum The long-term ambition is for the CoP to become a permanent fixture within the biomedical science landscape. A self-sustaining network embedded in professional culture and workforce planning.
Planned outputs include:
n A fully functional digital CoP platform n A structured mentorship toolkit n A library of CPD-accredited webinars and resources
n An evaluation report with recommendations for scalability n Academic publications.
Beyond tangible deliverables, success will be measured by the lived experiences of its members: biomedical scientists who feel connected, supported, and empowered to lead.
A community built by and for biomedical scientists
The establishment of this Community of Practice marks a pivotal moment for the profession. It embodies the principles of collaboration, inclusivity, and shared purpose that underpin modern healthcare leadership. By bringing together advanced and consultant biomedical
There are multiple ways to get involved and support this endeavour. The project team is seeking to expand its membership to ensure four nation coverage from those who are supporting the implementation of advanced practice roles. Please contact the project team if you are interested in joining us. We would especially like to see representation from Northern Ireland and Scotland. Alternatively, are you a consultant or advanced practice biomedical scientist interested in sharing your experience and supporting the next generation of consultant biomedical scientists? Join the LinkedIn group to learn more about how you could do this and keep up to date as the project evolves.
n Acknowledgements This project is funded by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) through the Education and Professional Standards Committee Research Grant. The research team extends gratitude to all partners, contributors, and participating biomedical scientists who are shaping the Community of Practice.
n Useful links
IBMS Corporate Strategy 2022:
www.ibms.org/resource/ibms-strategy-2022.html IBMS Long-Term Biomedical Scientist Workforce Plan:
www.ibms.org/resource/ibms-long-term- biomedical-scientist-workforce-plan.html
Dr Victoria Bradley, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK
Nicola Rouse, The Open University, UK Sheri Scott, Nottingham Trent University Tracey Elsam, Raymond Toghill - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Wales
vbradley@cardiffmet.ac.uk LinkedIn: Community of Practice for Advanced and Consultant Biomedical Scientists (
www.linkedin.com/ groups/14940145/)
DECEMBER 2025
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM
AdobeStock / tsuguliev
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