SCoR supports the development of the radiography workforce
Submitted by Charlotte Beardmore CBE, executive director of professional policy, The Society and College of Radiographers.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of leading a major programme of work commissioned by NHS England Workforce Training and Education. This has been one of the largest projects undertaken by The Society and College of Radiographers in recent years, and I am proud to share the progress we have achieved together.
The programme set out to strengthen radiography education, enhance career development, and improve patient care across the UK. Working across seven key workstreams, we successfully delivered 26 projects in just 12 months. Such scale was only possible through the commitment of colleagues, partner universities and external experts who worked alongside us.
Building a sustainable workforce
A central focus was creating the right conditions to secure workforce supply. We streamlined onboarding for education providers seeking College of Radiographers (CoR) programme approval, published new guidance on minimum practice-based learning hours, and developed a framework to support further piloting of a national clinical assessment tool for placements. Research into the role of simulation in diagnostic radiography also generated new evidence and recommendations for future practice.
Supporting the support workforce
A dedicated strand addressed bands 2-3 support staff and assistant practitioners. We produced new role guides, education requirements and career pathways, now hosted on a dedicated Society of Radiographers (SoR) hub. These resources are designed to support recruitment, supervision and progression.
Preceptorship and early careers
Research led by Birmingham City University identified the specific needs of preceptorship in radiography. Surveys and focus groups informed new recommendations, with a learning needs analysis tool now in development. This work continues into 2025/26, ensuring new registrants receive tailored support at a critical career stage.
Investing in educators and careers
Expanding educator capacity was another priority. A new diagnostic radiography and sonography practice educator special interest group was launched, complementing existing networks. The CoR Practice Educator Accreditation Scheme was also promoted through workshops and retreats. Alongside this, the AHP Careers team attended 14 national events, supported by refreshed resources including VR technology and updated careers booklets to inspire future radiographers.
Career development and wellbeing
Career development was strengthened through the launch of a student radiographer podcast and a virtual employability series, which will now run annually. The SoR also became the first professional body to hold a Schwartz Rounds licence, offering a dedicated forum to support student wellbeing.
Research projects on enhanced, advanced and consultant practice explored education gaps and workforce needs, while new mapping tools and updated guidance on scope of practice and also guidance on scope of practice for advanced and consultant roles support radiographers in progressing through the Education and Career Framework.
Collaboration and impact
This programme was built on extensive collaboration with universities, consultants and partner organisations. Its outputs – from national tools and podcasts to academic research and mentorship resources – are already shaping education, recruitment and career development pathways. To read more about this important project, please visit sor.org/nhse.
Thanks to everyone who supported the delivery of this programme. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more resilient radiography workforce for the future.
This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.
