UK experience of professional registration in radiation protection.

Abstract

The UK Radiation Protection Council (RPC) was established in 2019, under the Royal Charter of the Society for Radiological Protection. The RPC holds the registers for three grades of professional registration-Chartered, Incorporated and Technical Radiation Protection Professional. Individual radiation protection practitioners may apply for registration through any society or organisation that has been accepted as a Licensee of the RPC. This paper will give an overview of the criteria used for registration at each level, along with the benefits of professional registration to individuals, employers, the radiation protection profession and the public. We will discuss the operation of the RPC and share the experience of its establishment, identifying key issues and potential pitfalls for other Societies wishing to go down this route. Future expectations for professional registration will be considered.