May I add my pennyworth to this debate?
As someone involved in the prevention of occupational ill health I have no
medical/occupational health qualifications whatsoever. However, I am
frequently called upon to advise clients where a qualified occupational
health practitioner has either got it wrong or has been unable to deal with
a particular problem. As it happens I have over 25 years experience in my
particular aspect of health and safety - for which there is no specific
qualification. I also teach on my speciality at several universities, train
HSE inspectors and work internationally.
Several "professional" bodies adopt the attitude that unless you have a
(their!) qualification, you somehow cannot know anything. They are not
prepared to recognise that experience can be an extremely valuable asset and
that in some cases a specialised knowledge might not allow you to obtain a
qualification but might - in the real world - provide the answers that help
keep people healthy and safe.
This is not to disparage qualifications. They are important. However, they
do not automatically confer expertise, ability and experience. I meet many
people with (academic) qualifications who I then have to get out of trouble
(It's often how I earn my living!)
So I suggest that a sense of proportion is required. What is really
important is whether the person can do the job, not whether they have a
piece of paper that purports to say they can.
OK - now I will put on my flak-jacket and await the broadsides!
Chris Packham
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