Society of Radiographers
Encyclopedia
The Society of Radiographers (SoR) is a professional body and a trades union that represents more than 90% of the diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers
in the United Kingdom
. It was founded in 1920. Until 1996, the SoR was also the professional body and trades union for radiographers in Ireland
, whereupon the Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy was established.
(Eastern region, London region, Midlands region, North West region, Northern region, South East region, South West region, Yorkshire & North Trent region) and from Northern Ireland
, Scotland
and Wales
. Council determines the Society's policy and strategic direction in consultation with members and others that have a vested interest. It meets once a month, with the exception of August and December.
The Society is a company limited by guarantee and the members of Council are company directors
registered at Companies House
. They have responsibilities as representatives of the membership and also as directors of the company. Neither Council members nor College Board members are paid for their duties but they can claim travelling and other expenses.
The President is elected by the members of Council and is inaugurated at the July Council meeting each year. There is also a President-elect and a Vice-president, who also serve for one year.
The 2010-2001 President
is Sandie Mathers MSc DCR(R) of the Health Services Research Group, at Robert Gordon University
, Aberdeen
. The President-elect
is Susan Johnson DCR(R) BSc(Hons) MA PgC, a diagnostic radiographer from Royal Derby Hospital
in Derby
. The Vice-President for the 2010-2011 term is Jackie Hughes DCR(R), a diagnostic radiographer from Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital, Penrohosgarnedd, Bangor
, Gwynedd
.
politician and former MP
who sits in the House of Lords
and who previously practiced as a radiographer.
The College, a registered charity
, has its own Board of directors comprising an equal number of members drawn from Council and external directors representing the legal, financial and medical fields.
The College maintains an Accreditation and Approval Board which aims to protect patients of radiographers by raising the standards of education and practice. It does so by monitoring and assessing programmes of both pre-registration degree courses and ongoing professional education ranging from ad-hoc events to professional postgratuate training. The College runs courses and conferences. Various guidances and guidelines are published by the CoR often in conjunction with the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
(IPEM), the Royal College of Radiologists
(RCR), the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) and the Royal College of Nursing
(RCN).
Research grants are awarded by the College. An academic library is maintained. Further activities to promote the public interest includes the provision of advice to the public and to government and government agencies and activities to promote public awareness of radiography, radiology and oncology. Information on the activities of the CoR is published on the website of the UK's Charity Commission.
Historically, the College was an awarding body for academic awards
but no longer fulfils this function. The degree-equivalent radiography qualification awarded by the CoR was the Diploma of the College of Radiographers (DCR) and this was awarded following a three-year training course and successful completion of a national examination, either in Radiodiagnosis (the DCR(R)) or in Therapy Radiography (the DCR(T)). Following study equivalent to Masters level, students with a DCR could proceed by examination to the Higher Diploma of the College of Radiographers (HDCR). Holders of the HDCR undergoing specialist training in management were awarded the Management Diploma of the College of Radiographers (MDCR) and those undergoing specialist training in the teaching of radiography were awarded the Teaching Diploma of the College of Radiographers (TDCR). The first Bachelor of Science
(BSc) in Radiography was validated in 1989 and with the widespread introduction of BSc courses in radiography during 1993, the DCR was phased out. The HRCR, TDCR and MDCR have been replaced by Masters courses.
Synergy: Imaging and Therapy Practice
Synergy News
Radiography
Imaging & Oncology
Overseas Placement Fund
Fellowship of The College of Radiographers (FCR) Award
Forder Memorial Award for Students
The Silver Medal Award
Alan Nichols Memorial Award
Beth Whittaker Award
Bryan Macey Scholarship
The Arthur Kay Radiotherapy Award
Radiologic technologist
A radiologic technologist, also known as medical radiation technologist and as radiographer, performs imaging of the human body for diagnosis or treating medical problems...
in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It was founded in 1920. Until 1996, the SoR was also the professional body and trades union for radiographers in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, whereupon the Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy was established.
Objectives
The objectives for which The Society is established are as follows:- To promote and develop for the public benefit the science and practice of radiography and radiotherapeutic technology and allied subjects;
- To promote, study and research work in radiography and radiotherapeutic technology and allied subjects and to publish the results of all such study and research;
- To further public education therein;
- To protect the honour and interests of persons engaged in the practice of radiography and radiotherapeutic technology and allied subjects including the regulation of relations between such persons and employers and employers’ associations;
- To further all such objects which a trade union may lawfully pursue in accordance with statute.
Council
The Society is led by a Council which is made-up of representatives from a number of English regionsSubdivisions of England
The subdivisions of England consist of a hierarchy of administrative divisions, and non-administrative ceremonial areas. All of England is divided into one of nine regions and 48 ceremonial counties, although these have only a limited role in public policy....
(Eastern region, London region, Midlands region, North West region, Northern region, South East region, South West region, Yorkshire & North Trent region) and from Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. Council determines the Society's policy and strategic direction in consultation with members and others that have a vested interest. It meets once a month, with the exception of August and December.
The Society is a company limited by guarantee and the members of Council are company directors
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
registered at Companies House
Companies House
Companies House is the United Kingdom Registrar of Companies and is an Executive Agency of the United Kingdom Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills . All forms of companies are incorporated and registered with Companies House and file specific details as required by the...
. They have responsibilities as representatives of the membership and also as directors of the company. Neither Council members nor College Board members are paid for their duties but they can claim travelling and other expenses.
The President is elected by the members of Council and is inaugurated at the July Council meeting each year. There is also a President-elect and a Vice-president, who also serve for one year.
The 2010-2001 President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
is Sandie Mathers MSc DCR(R) of the Health Services Research Group, at Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University is located in Aberdeen, Scotland. Building on over 250 years involvement in education, it was granted university status in 1992. Robert Gordon University currently has approximately 16,407 students at its two campuses at Garthdee and the City Centre, studying on over 145...
, Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city, one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas and the United Kingdom's 25th most populous city, with an official population estimate of ....
. The President-elect
President-elect
An -elect is a political candidate who has been elected to an office but who has not yet been sworn in or officially taken office. These may include an incoming president, senator, representative, governor and mayor.Analogously, the term "designate" An -elect is a political candidate who has been...
is Susan Johnson DCR(R) BSc(Hons) MA PgC, a diagnostic radiographer from Royal Derby Hospital
Derby City General Hospital
Royal Derby Hospital, is one of two teaching hospitals in the city of Derby, the other being the London Road Community Hospital. It is the second largest hospital in the East Midlands, and is one of the largest hospitals in the UK. The two hospitals are part of a single NHS Foundation Trust...
in Derby
Derby
Derby , is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands region of England. It lies upon the banks of the River Derwent and is located in the south of the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. In the 2001 census, the population of the city was 233,700, whilst that of the Derby Urban Area was 229,407...
. The Vice-President for the 2010-2011 term is Jackie Hughes DCR(R), a diagnostic radiographer from Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital, Penrohosgarnedd, Bangor
Bangor, Gwynedd
Bangor is a city in Gwynedd, north west Wales, and one of the smallest cities in Britain. It is a university city with a population of 13,725 at the 2001 census, not including around 10,000 students at Bangor University. Including nearby Menai Bridge on Anglesey, which does not however form part of...
, Gwynedd
Gwynedd
Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated...
.
Patron
The patron of the Society of Radiographers is The Rt Hon Llinos "Llin" Golding, Baroness Golding of Newcastle-under-Lyme who is a Labour PartyLabour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
politician and former MP
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
who sits in the House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
and who previously practiced as a radiographer.
College of Radiographers
The College of Radiographers (CoR) is the charitable subsidiary of the Society. The College's objects are directed towards education, research and other activities in support of the science and practice of radiography.The College, a registered charity
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
, has its own Board of directors comprising an equal number of members drawn from Council and external directors representing the legal, financial and medical fields.
The College maintains an Accreditation and Approval Board which aims to protect patients of radiographers by raising the standards of education and practice. It does so by monitoring and assessing programmes of both pre-registration degree courses and ongoing professional education ranging from ad-hoc events to professional postgratuate training. The College runs courses and conferences. Various guidances and guidelines are published by the CoR often in conjunction with the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine is the United Kingdom's professional body and learned society for physicists and engineers within the field of medicine...
(IPEM), the Royal College of Radiologists
Royal College of Radiologists
The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body responsible for the specialty of clinical oncology and clinical radiology throughout the United Kingdom. Its role is to advance the science and practice of radiology and oncology, further public education and set appropriate professional...
(RCR), the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) and the Royal College of Nursing
Royal College of Nursing
The Royal College of Nursing is a union membership organisation with over 395,000 members in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1916, receiving its Royal Charter in 1928, Queen Elizabeth II is the patron...
(RCN).
Research grants are awarded by the College. An academic library is maintained. Further activities to promote the public interest includes the provision of advice to the public and to government and government agencies and activities to promote public awareness of radiography, radiology and oncology. Information on the activities of the CoR is published on the website of the UK's Charity Commission.
Historically, the College was an awarding body for academic awards
Academic degree
An academic degree is a position and title within a college or university that is usually awarded in recognition of the recipient having either satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study or having conducted a scholarly endeavour deemed worthy of his or her admission to the degree...
but no longer fulfils this function. The degree-equivalent radiography qualification awarded by the CoR was the Diploma of the College of Radiographers (DCR) and this was awarded following a three-year training course and successful completion of a national examination, either in Radiodiagnosis (the DCR(R)) or in Therapy Radiography (the DCR(T)). Following study equivalent to Masters level, students with a DCR could proceed by examination to the Higher Diploma of the College of Radiographers (HDCR). Holders of the HDCR undergoing specialist training in management were awarded the Management Diploma of the College of Radiographers (MDCR) and those undergoing specialist training in the teaching of radiography were awarded the Teaching Diploma of the College of Radiographers (TDCR). The first Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
(BSc) in Radiography was validated in 1989 and with the widespread introduction of BSc courses in radiography during 1993, the DCR was phased out. The HRCR, TDCR and MDCR have been replaced by Masters courses.
The Society of Radiographers Benevolent Fund
The Society of Radiographers Benevolent Fund is a registered charity (No. 326398) and it assists SoR members, former members and their families in times of hardship or distress and in particular the old, the sick and the incapacitated among members and former members. Information on the activities of the Benevolent Fund is published on the website of the UK's Charity Commission.Society Publications
The SoR issues a number of publications:Synergy: Imaging and Therapy Practice
- Synergy provides in-depth coverage of the latest professional and educational issues that affect the day-to-day working lives of therapy and diagnostic radiographers. The editorEditorThe term editor may refer to:As a person who does editing:* Editor in chief, having final responsibility for a publication's operations and policies* Copy editing, making formatting changes and other improvements to text...
is Ian Henderson.
Synergy News
- Synergy News is a news digest of what is happening in radiography and the wider healthcare arena. Topics reported include role development and career progression, pay and conditions, research, Continuing Professional DevelopmentContinuing Professional DevelopmentContinuing professional development or Continuing professional education is the means by which people maintain their knowledge and skills related to their professional lives.-CPD research:...
and health and safety and equality issues. The editor is Clare Swaffer.
Radiography
- Radiography is an international, English languageEnglish languageEnglish is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapyRadiation therapyRadiation therapy , radiation oncology, or radiotherapy , sometimes abbreviated to XRT or DXT, is the medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells.Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control...
. The editor is Professor R C Price MSc FCR.
Imaging & Oncology
- An annual title published to coincide with the United Kingdom Radiology Congress.
Awards
The SoR maintains a number of awards and grants.Overseas Placement Fund
- The College of Radiographers Overseas Placement Fund was established in 1998. It is managed by the College of Radiographers Board of Trustees and a number of radiography placements in developing countries have been supported by the fund. A number of individual radiographers have taken an interest in this area and this has often resulted in periods of working overseas.
Fellowship of The College of Radiographers (FCR) Award
- The Fellowship of the College of Radiographers (FCR) is an honorary title, bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contribution to the radiographic profession. It was first awarded, in its present format, in 1978 following the establishment of The College of Radiographers as the charitable subsidiary of The Society of Radiographers. The award of the FCR is regarded as an honour and privilege. Additionally, the individual receives complimentary life membership of The Society of Radiographers.
Forder Memorial Award for Students
- The Forder Memorial Award, which commemorates the memory of Mr A O Forder, founder member of the SoR in 1920 and a member of the first Council of the Society. From 1995, it was agreed that it would be presented to the best paper proffered by a student at the Annual Students Conference. The winning student is awarded the prize of £50.
The Silver Medal Award
- The Silver Medal was first struck in 1985 and is awarded by The Society of Radiographers to recognise and acknowledge individuals for outstanding dedication and contribution to the profession of Radiography. Nominees must be members of the Society of Radiographers (or retired from active service and membership), or non-members who are outstanding contributors to the profession. Their work may span any aspect of the imaging and therapy modalities and/or the wider spheres of commerce, industry and management; as such overseas nominees are also eligible.
Alan Nichols Memorial Award
- Alan Nichols was a chief technical adviser to the Department of Radiology at Oxford Hospitals and since 1996, an award in his name has been given for the best paper proffered by a radiographer at the Radiology Congress. A representative of the Mr Nichols’s family is invited to present the award. The Alan Nichols Memorial Award is currently £100.
Beth Whittaker Award
- This award, commemorating Beth Whittaker, has been awarded to the best poster presentation at the Annual Radiology Conference. The Beth Whittaker Award is currently £50.
Bryan Macey Scholarship
- The Bryan Macey Scholarship, named for a former Chief Executive, is open to all Society Health and Safety and Industrial Relations representatives for trade union-related academic study.
The Arthur Kay Radiotherapy Award
- In April 2009 the Society launched the Arthur Kay Radiotherapy Award to support an annual award to an appropriately qualified and experienced therapeutic radiographer who wishes to travel to learn new and innovative techniques in therapeutic radiography. The fund will enable successful applicants to spend time studying innovations in technology and practice at a leading world class cancer institution(s).
- Applications for funding to the value of £5000 will be considered although, for exceptional applications, more may be available to an absolute maximum of £10,000.