Sarah's point about aims and objectives is the point I tried to make at the
recent RMS conference meeting which began this debate. I agree that answers
to these questions are vital before considering how to proceed.
Julie
Note new address details:
Dr Julie McLeod, Reader & Principal Lecturer
Programme Leader MSc Records Management
School of Informatics, Engineering & Technology
Northumbria University
Room 2.45 Pandon Building
Camden Street
Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1XE
UK
Tel: +44 (0)191 227 3764/3702
Fax: +44 (0)191 243 7630
-----Original Message-----
From: The UK Records Management mailing list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sarah Westwood
Sent: 12 May 2005 12:20
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: RMS Accreditation Scheme
I think what this debate proves is that any scheme must have clearly
defined aims and objectives, e.g.
why are we doing it?
who is it for?
how will it be administered?
who is going to run it?
who is going to pay for it?
Certainly making use of the experience of peer organisations who have run
similar schemes (or decided not to) is an essential first step, in my view.
Sarah Westwood
Records Management Officer
Girton College
Cambridge CB3 0JG
Tel: 01223 338976
Fax: 01223 338896
Website: www.girton.cam.ac.uk
--On 12 May 2005 12:56 +0100 "SMITH, Paula" <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> 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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Sarah Westwood
Records Management Officer
Girton College
Cambridge CB3 0JG
Tel: 01223 338976
Fax: 01223 338896
Website: www.girton.cam.ac.uk
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