What do we mean by professionalisation?

Following an initial post on various chat lists, Facebook pages and via Twitter, several people have come back to us wanting more clarification on what we mean by professionalization. We didn’t define it at the outset as we wanted to hear how people viewed the term. And we also recognise that it might not be the right term.

Looking at a few other sectors* who have professional status or chartership programmes these are the elements that we’ve found combine to make a profession. As has been pointed out, some professions exist to prevent harm (e.g. in law, medicine, architecture…) because poor practice has serious implications. Other areas come together in professions to advocate for their sector, to ensure best practice is delivered and presented to consumers, funders and other stakeholders, and to develop a community of practice.

With that in mind, which of the following are important for science communication and PE with STEM?

1: There is an agreed body of knowledge that those entering the sector should know

2: Good practice is agreed upon

3: Values or principles are agreed up

4: Senior accreditation often includes elements of demonstrating leadership

5: Training courses are run by an accrediting body OR by others who secure endorsement from the accrediting body

6: Accreditation processes involve evidence and support from someone more senior within the sector

7: Individuals commit to keeping up to date with current best practice and knowledge

8: An accrediting body exists which oversees and/or delivers all of the above

9: There is often an expense associated (this could be incorporated into eg tuition or membership fees, or can be a separate fee)
[update** suggests these others could also be of interest]
10: Lobbying or advocacy work for the sector
11: Research of interest to the sector
12: Opportunities to raise profile, showcase work, exhibit, perform
13: Sector essentials eg insurance

* Places we've looked. We know this is limited and are going to go and look at some creative sectors 

British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Museums Association

Higher Education Association (and their code of practice)

Institute of Physics

Geological Society
** other places we've looked:
Equity
Crafts Council
Gloucester Guild of Master Craftsmen