I for one am definitely in favour of an accreditation scheme on the
understanding that it is flexible enough to allow for all skill sets and the
various roles of staff within the RM world. One of the discussions which we
had at the RMS conference was around the need to be fully inclusive of all
staff working in RM reflecting the variety of roles undertaken by colleagues
at all levels and with a variety of needs from any accreditation scheme.
I note Sarah's comments on formal degree qualifications, but what about
staff who do not want nor need formal postgraduate qualifications but have
significant work experience - why should they be excluded from a process
which recognises and validates their skills, which are just as valuable as a
postgraduate degree in their area of work.
Equally, colleagues such as myself who are currently in the middle of
studying for postgraduate qualifications shouldn't be excluded, or required
to take more exams after completing an intensive course of study. I for one
would not want to go down the Institute of Chartered Records Manager route
where I would have to take exams in exactly the same modules for which I
have studied for my MSc - and at significant cost.
I also want to make sure that we neither forget nor discount the immensely
valuable service which the university sector has provided the RM community
and the gains we have made as a profession through their input and training.
Accreditation schemes which operates in other professions typically place
education at the heart of their schemes, but paying equal attention to
demonstratable work experience and skill sets. Perhaps now is the time
through an accreditation scheme for us to draw closer links with our
university sector, and for the RMS to validate (as the Society of Archivists
does) degree courses offered through educational institutions and linking
said degree study to a level of accreditation.
I do feel that the concept of an accreditation scheme is a good one for a
number of reasons:
1) not only will it allow all staff in the RM sector to demonstrate their
skills at a particular level, thereby potentially increasing their
employment prospects
2) It will also increase the professionalism of Records Management and the
RMS - as discussed at conference, solicitors, accountants, engineers etc all
have an accreditation system which defines their profession and which
employers take as evidence of suitability for positions.
3) It may encourage staff to continue their development in the area of RM
and keep up to date with new tools, techniques, and improve their skill sets
thereby increasing their effectiveness and the perception of RM as a dynamic
profession.
I know that there are legitimate concerns around any accreditation scheme,
but I am in favour of the concept - though as the saying goes - the devil is
in the detail.
My only thoughts are that the accreditation scheme be robust enough to deal
with public and private sector needs, and the needs of all members at
whatever level of RM they are involved in. This is why members comments are
so important so that the RMS can deliver (if that is the wish of the
membership) an accreditation scheme which truly reflects our needs as a
profession.
Paula J Smith
Records Manager
Cheshire County Council
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