IBMS guidance on expectations of professionalism
With the national media reporting this week that a biomedical scientist has been struck off the HCPC register following a complaint against their social media usage, the IBMS would like to take the opportunity to direct members to the HCPC and IBMS guidance on using social media. We also wish to remind our members about their expected levels of professionalism and of following our code of conduct.
The IBMS was not involved in the HCPC’s case or decision. However, last year, having received a complaint about the social media use of a member, several posts were investigated which led to a disciplinary hearing into their online behaviour. Based on the findings and evidence that the member’s posts did not meet the IBMS values around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, IBMS Council decided to revoke all IBMS honours and awards they had been given.
The member was also instructed to stop using any affiliation with the IBMS in their personal online accounts and to stop using our designatory letters, which are used by our members as recognition of their professional status amongst their peers and fellow professionals. The member took this opportunity to resign their membership prior to any further action being taken.
This example arises in a time when all HCPC registrants have to become more mindful about what constitutes good professional practice around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. In November’s monthly editorial to IBMS members, IBMS Chief Executive David Wells highlighted the updated HCPC standards of proficiency which will come into effect on 1 September 2023.
The revised HCPC standards set clear expectations of a registrant’s knowledge and ability in a healthcare service and are also expanded to have more focus on the registrant’s understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.
The borders between personal and professional life can be difficult to navigate in the modern world – with people including their professional roles and titles on personal accounts and being searchable on LinkedIn etc – and many incidents can only be understood when assessing them very closely against set standards.
This is why we expect all IBMS members to be aware of the new standards – and to be applying them. The IBMS will continue to champion professionalism in all its forms, and use the disciplinary routes available to us where a member falls short of this expectation.
Resources for members
IBMS members who use social media are advised to read the following guidance: