Skills and professional development
Skills and professional development
It is important both for individuals and for the Civil Service that professional skills are honed and developed.
GO-Science is working to ensure science and engineering professional skills are aligned with the common curriculum for the Civil Service. This encompasses skills for those in posts that require high levels of expertise in a particular area as well as the skills required by those working in science policy and delivery. Some departments and Government research institutes also have formal arrangements to support their staff in continuous professional development.
Government Science & Engineering Skills Framework
Published in August 2009, Science and Engineering (S&E) Skills Framework (PDF, 98 Kb) supplements the core skills required by civil servants (as determined through the Civil Service core competencies framework) and identifies the additional skills required to perform well in a science or engineering job within the service. The S&E Skills Framework will enable scientists and engineers to think in a more structured away about their skills development and career progression. Scientists and engineers working in the Civil Service and get guidance on training and other learning resources from the 'professions' section of the Civil Service Learning website (you will need to register to access).
Continuing Professional Development
GO Science, working with departmental heads of profession, has developed a GSE continuing professional development handbook (PDF, 425 Kb) . This offers guidance on how GSE members can manage their professional development, both as a professional scientist or engineer and as a professional working in Government. We welcome feedback from GSE members to help future revisions of the handbook.
GO Science is pleased to introduce a mentoring scheme for GSE members as part of its current focus on professional development. Members are invited to join as mentors or mentees and take advantage of this excellent opportunity to share their experience with a colleague. Please download a factsheet (PDF, 150 Kb) for further information and next steps.
Royal Society Pairing Scheme
Since 2001, the Royal Society has run an MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme, pairing scientists with a local MP. In 2007 the Royal Society and GO-Science piloted a similar scheme pairing scientists (in this case Royal Society University Research Fellows) with civil servants working in relevant policy areas. The pilot proved to be a great success and the pairing scheme is now a permanent fixture amongst GO-Science’s activities.
The pairing scheme aims to help scientists recognise how they can feed their scientific knowledge to Government, and to give civil servants the opportunity to forge direct links with a network of practising research scientists.
The Royal Society’s website has information on the pairing scheme. If you have further queries or are interested in participating in the scheme please visit the contact page.
Engineering Development Scheme
Government Science & Engineering (GSE) is delighted to be working in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering to deliver a programme of activities aimed at GSE engineers.
First run in 2010/11, the programme places GSE members in a programme of development which includes seminars, lectures, workshops, industry placements and more. By the end of the programme, as well as having built strong links amongst the GSE members taking part in the scheme, individuals also develop their cross-sectoral knowledge of science, engineering, and broader issues and make lots of contacts from academia and industry.
If you have further queries or are interested in participating in the scheme please visit the contact page.
STEM Ambassadors Scheme
GSE is pleased endorse the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) Ambassadors Programme, which enables teachers to make links from the curriculum to how STEM is practiced in the world of work, illuminating applications across a vast range of careers.
STEM Ambassadors are people from STEM backgrounds (such as GSE members) who volunteer as inspiring role models for young people. They can contribute both to regular lessons or participate in extra-curricular activities such as STEM Clubs, Careers Days and visits. STEM Ambassadors open the door to a whole new world for young people, helping them to see STEM subjects and careers with a fresh perspective and engage their interest and imagination in new ways. Each Ambassador is registered, trained and CRB checked.
As an Ambassador you have the opportunity to:
- strengthen your own skills, including communication, planning and presentation skills
- gain a fresh perspective on day-to-day work when seen through the eyes of students
- face a different challenge to that of everyday work
- enjoy a sense of achievement after delivering an activity
- help make a difference in the local community
- challenge stereotypes young people have about STEM subjects and related careers
- have lots of fun and enjoy the buzz and energy from the young people!
For more information please visit the STEMNET website.
