Congratulations to RSS fellows Sarah Littler and Linsay Gray, who respectively won and was highly commended in this year’s Science Council CPD Awards.
The awards, now in their fifth year, recognise the vital role that continuing professional development (CPD) plays in keeping professionals up-to-date and competent in their fields. In particular, they celebrate the achievements of registrants on the four Science Council registers: Registered Science Technician (RSciTech), Registered Scientist (RSci), Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach) or Chartered Scientist (CSci).
The award nominees need to present a summary of an inspirational programme of CPD over a 12-month period which satisfies the five science council CPD standards. As well as showing how their CPD is expanding their technical scientific skills, commitment to improving ‘soft’ skills such as teamworking, mentoring and teaching is also recognised.
Sarah is acting managing director and senior consultant at Select Statistical Services, who provide statistical and data-related services to a range of organisations across a variety of sectors. She was nominated for the award by the RSS based on her submission as part of the revalidation process for her Chartered Statistician (CStat) and CSci certifications.
Speaking about the award, Sarah said, 'I was delighted to be nominated by the RSS and ultimately to receive the CSci CPD award from the Science Council. I'm very proud to be recognised for my CPD programme; as a professional statistician I see continued learning as crucial to keep up to speed with the huge body of knowledge and ever expanding field of statistics. There are always opportunities in my role to develop in non-technical areas too, and these wider skills are critical in supporting the other members of our team and delivering successful projects for our clients. Maintaining my CPD record helps me to regularly reflect on and recognise the benefits of my development activities and identify new opportunities for growth.'
Linsay said: 'I am delighted to have received the nomination from the RSS and the commendation from the Science Council. I find that reflecting on professional development activities gives me motivation and perspective on the associated benefits to peers, students, stakeholders and wider society. There is also value in the professional development planning process for identifying future priorities. Recognition of the worth of these activities, benefits and plans supports working at an increasingly global level in my career.'