RSB and Pirbright launch new biorisk professional registration scheme

It is designed to overcome concerns about the lack of consistent training and recognised status for those working in the field. The programme permits practitioners to benchmark their competence, develop professional skills and share learning.

Termed the Biorisk Professional Registration Scheme (BPRS), it is the result of collaboration between the RSB and the Pirbright Institute’s Biorisk Strategic Leadership Group (BSLG).

Set up in 2017, the BSLG represents the country’s high hazard biological facilities, together with leading stakeholders within the bio economy.

BPRS will encompass roles such as biological safety and biorisk officers, adviser and managers at universities, research institutes and government establishments, plus NHS pathology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Director of The Pirbright Institute professor Bryan Charleston noted: “When the BSLG was first established, one of the biggest challenges identified in the sector was the inconsistency in approach to formal training and a lack of professional status for key members of staff, for example, biological safety officers. 

He added that the problem was not specific to the UK, with similar shortages of available specialist training globally.

‘We are delighted RSB and BSLG are launching this eagerly anticipated UK-wide scheme. Establishing professional registration across a wide range of biosafety facilities will drive up standards and deliver consistency in biorisk management across the bioeconomy sector,” said Charleston.

The programme has been developed over several years, with input from a wide range of biorisk expertise and leaders within the wide range of sectors it serves.

RSB chief executive Mark Downs commented: “We are delighted to launch a robust, credible and recognised benchmark of biorisk practitioner competency. Sponsored and supported by the major organisations within the bioeconomy sector, it is underpinned through a searchable online register maintained by us at the RSB.”

Director of Safety at Imperial College London, Dr Surrinder Johal, who  addressed delegates at the launch event in Hertfordshire described BPRS as a much-needed marker for university biorisk professionals.

“Not only does it directly benefit registrants by extending their knowledge, but it also allows them to demonstrate defined, recognised and maintained (via CPD) skills and competence to peers, employers, clients and stakeholder,” said Johal. 

Of the initial training on offer, the Registered Biorisk Adviser (RBA) caters for new biorisk practitioners, whilst the advanced Registered Biorisk Specialist (RBS) is aimed at specialists who need to demonstrate higher levels of recognised competence.