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Seeking RSC support

John said: "At the agency, we have around 12,000 colleagues working across a range of different roles, it’s incredibly varied. That can mean advising the government on the potential impacts of persistent chemicals; analysing monitoring samples after a pollution incident; regulating emissions from a major nuclear site; or working with local partners such as NGOs or local authorities on river restoration. Using our chemical knowledge and skills can play an important part. For example, there is a big focus on the water environment at the moment, and ensuring we have the right chemical evidence to support our actions is essential. Demonstrating competency is an important part of positioning the agency as a trusted advisor, regulator, and partner with regards to environmental issues."

For many of our staff, chemical science knowledge is an important aspect of their work. Whether they work in a department which deals with hazardous waste, groundwater, or contaminated land – there is a chemical science element to their job. We wanted to give our staff the tools to develop, hone and demonstrate this chemical knowledge, which is why we sought support from the RSC in gaining external recognition and setting up an accreditation scheme.

"The RSC was very supportive from the outset. The team were there every step of the process to encourage us and provide sound, measured and helpful advice. Sometimes with this kind of thing, it can be easy to become bogged down by processes, but with the RSC we felt that things were always progressing and moving forward with ease."

"I now coordinate the RSC-accredited programme for our entire organisation. For staff employed in a role that requires them to use their chemistry knowledge, our scheme allows them to become Chartered Chemists (CChem). We’re also accredited for Registered Scientist (RSci) and Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) awards, which are in place for the development of our colleagues working in labs."

Demonstrating expertise

John says "Having RSC accreditation in place is beneficial for both the organisation and its staff in terms of reputation, credibility and development."

"Accreditation is important as it’s one of the ways our staff demonstrate that they’re a credible advisor on issues relating to the water or waste industry. If you can’t understand and explain the chemistry behind water quality, for instance, you’re undermining your position."

Having the RSC scheme in place is important to us in terms of giving our staff a clear path for professional development. We want people to think about where their personal goals and the goals of the organisation meet, and we’ve tried to do that by supporting people into chartered status.

"From an external perspective, having recognition from an organisation with a reputation such as the RSC is very important. Being accredited by a well-known institution has gravitas and it enhances your organisation’s credibility."

Success stories

John says "Despite being relatively new to the scheme and having to forge a pathway while mostly under COVID measures, the RSC-accredited programme has been a success with people already completing the process and several becoming fellows (FRSC) whilst others have become chartered."

Those who have gone through the scheme really do throw themselves into becoming accredited - it’s motivating as it provides an opportunity and gives them a clear goal to work towards for the benefit of their own career development.

We've just completed the final interviews for a colleague who works on the nuclear side of the business. He had to pull together a portfolio which he felt was useful to take stock of his experience, skills and knowledge of the chemical sciences. He found using the mentor beneficial in terms of guiding him through the scheme and pulling together a robust portfolio; filtering out what was needed and what wasn’t.

He was able to build new contacts across the agency by having a mentor who was outside of his usual work bubble. It broadened his awareness of different aspects of the chemical sciences we use throughout the organisation, identifying further opportunities for engagement and development.

He also identified that chartership boosted his credibility when speaking with external companies. He’s a regulator who talks to people about radiochemistry rather than practicing it, but the fact that he has CChem means he can talk to them with confidence and they recognise his skill. When speaking to external companies you could be interacting with someone who has been a chemist for 20 or 30 years, so you need to demonstrate that you’re knowledgeable at a certain level. That can be challenging, so having CChem and being a member of the RSC is very helpful. Scientifically, you’re proving your worthiness.

The ÀË»¨Ö±²¥ is dedicated to the advancement of the chemical sciences. Our accreditation scheme gives chemists a fully supported route to industry recognition.

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Shared vision

John says "Having accreditation in place helps strengthen the workforce by offering a framework which nurtures the skills of our experienced staff, attracts new talent and encourages mutual respect. Not only does the scheme benefit our staff and help us to retain talent, it’s also positive for recruitment. We have a range of schemes on offer which will allow candidates to gain registered or chartered status. If you’re a chemist, that’s something we offer and we can flag that."

Moving forward, I’d like to increase the number of RSC members and the number of those who are accredited to chartered status across the Environment Agency. I’d like to see members progress to FRSC. Moreover, I’m keen that we offer people the support to develop themselves. It ties back to the philosophy of the organisation which is to support people’s development and see it as a partnership between the business and people themselves. Development is personal, but it works in concert with the organisation as it benefits all.

"If you’re thinking about setting up RSC accreditation, I’d say get in touch and talk to the team about it. It can seem a bit daunting when you’re starting off, but the team are helpful and people-focused. They will work at your pace and have the company’s best interests at heart. If you think it will be of benefit to your organisation, which it probably will give it a go."