The essential guide to life as a new radiography professional 2023/24
Welcome
Welcome to the 2023 edition of our Starting Out supplement for new professionals. I hope this content-packed handbook will serve as a useful reference guide that you can dip into throughout your journey into the radiography workforce.
Between these digital covers, you will find advice on employability, and how to make the most of your membership of the society as a newly qualified radiographer. We explore important practical aspects of working life, such as pay, pensions and safe-working, and begin looking ahead with insightful articles on leadership and CPD.
Of course, this guide would not be complete without the inspirational voices of our members! We hear from newly qualified radiographers who have had varied yet incredible journeys through their radiography studies, and who share their feelings about stepping into Band 5 roles this year.
Don’t forget also to check out all the information on our resources and support, including CPD Now, and our exciting New Professionals Network!
I, personally, am delighted and privileged to have been part of the student journey of those graduating this year and am very much looking forward to continuing to support our new radiographers as they transition into the workforce and forge pathways into the many evolving areas of radiography practice.
Our heartfelt congratulations on all of your achievements so far. We are honoured to have you in our SoR community and look forward to working in partnership with you for years to come.
Best wishes,
Nichola
SoR Students and New Professionals Officer
Nichola Jamison SoR Students and New Professionals Officer
Nichola Jamison SoR Students and New Professionals Officer
What's inside?
Qualifying
Moving on...
From student to practitioner: We asked three newly qualified radiographers to share their feelings as they make the transition from university into the world of work.
Career
Boost your employability
Educators Jo McNamara and Kerry Mills share their tips for how you can impress employers to land your dream job in radiography.
Leadership
Finding your inner leader
It’s time to ditch traditional concepts of leadership, writes newly qualified Chris Gibson, and six alumni of the SoR’s student leadership programme tell their stories.
Representation
Becoming a workplace rep
How you can benefit from taking up a workplace representative role – choose from health and safety, union learning and industrial relations.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing and safe working
What are your rights when it’s time say “no” to your employer in order to stay safe and protect your wellbeing? SoR expert Rhys Martin explains...
Your workplace
Unacceptable behaviour at work
How to recognise and challenge bullying and harassment wherever they occur, to ensure all radiographers and students feel safe in the workplace.
Your membership
The benefits of your SoR membership
The SoR is the only organisation that truly represents the interests of everyone working in clinical imaging, radiotherapy and oncology.
Your pay
Understanding your payslip
SoR officer Richard Pembridge demystifies the jargon on your payslip and answers some common questions from radiographers.
Your pension
A guide to pensions
Retirement might seem a long way off but the sooner you sign up to a pension scheme, the more you will benefit later in life - whether you work in the NHS or private sector.
Regulation
Why CPD is important to your career
How to keep up to date on retaining your registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, and using CPD Now to log your learning.
Your calendar
Educational events fitted to your needs
Your guide to all the latest learning and networking opportunities for UK radiographers, specifically for students and new professionals.
SoR contacts
We're here for you! Meet the SoR team
Here we introduce your Student and New Professionals officer and provide a full list of SoR contacts to offer all the support you need.
Join our New Professionals Network
Are you a final year student, or a Band 5 radiographer? Would you like to be part of a network where you can access news, events, CPD content and peer support from fellow radiographers across the UK? Perhaps you are interested in taking part in important SoR projects and campaigns? Or are you embarking on your own leadership journey?
Whatever stage or level of your new professional journey you are on, our New Professionals Network is here to support you. We aim to equip you with the skills and confidence to have the best possible start in your career. Key topics include advice and guidance on practical finances, leadership, employability, preceptorship, appraisals, role progression, safe-working and wellbeing.
You will also have the opportunity to discuss professional scenarios with the wider group, within a safe and reflective space.
If you have any questions, or require further information, please click below to visit our New Professionals hub, or contact our Students and New Professionals Officer, Nichola Jamison, at nicholaj@sor.org.
Starting Out 2023/24
THE SOCIETY OF RADIOGRAPHERS
The Society of Radiographers
207 Providence Square, Mill Street,
London, SE1 2EW
Tel: (020) 7740 7200
Email: info@sor.org
Chief executive Richard Evans
Executive director of finance and operations Dilip Manek
Executive director of professional policy Charlotte Beardmore
Executive director of industrial strategy and member relations Dean Rogers
President Dave Pilborough
President Elect Tom Welton
Vice-President Katie Thompson
Chair of Council Ross McGhee
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Disclaimer © The Society of Radiographers 2023. Unless otherwise indicated, views expressed are those of the editorial staff, contributors and correspondents. They are not necessarily the views of the Society of Radiographers, its officers or Council. The publication of an advertisement does not imply that a product is recommended by the Society. Material may only be reproduced by prior arrangement and with acknowledgement to Synergy.
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