This section is purely historical, the
Foundation Certificate and the
Certificate of Competence were initially introduced by the
I.A.S.
However, changes in legislation and demand have resulted in
us
introducing the Certificate in Anatomical Technology and
Science (CATS)
please follow the link.
Foundation Certificate
Donald Farr recounts the
story of Eric de-Villiers and the birth of the Foundation
Certificate, affectionately known as "The Eric".
Eric joined my Department nearly 15 years ago when nearly 50
years of age. His background was varied, his longest period
of employment, getting on for 10 years, was in the Parachute
Regiment until invalided out following an accident. Fully
recovered he joined my Department in the role of Dissecting
Room porter.
He was enthusiastic and keen to learn but, as he will
readily admit, he was not wishing to take over the
Department from Professor Webster. Obviously at Eric's stage
of life he was unwilling to return to 'school' to qualify in
Dissecting Room/Mortuary techniques so Eric's qualifications
developed into years of service and masses of hands on
experience. Regrettably in this age of 'blue books' paper
qualifications are the 'b' all and 'end' all. This meant no
promotion up the ladder, no extra money. To Eric this meant
little recognition or appreciation.
Eric decided to leave King's to become a dustman, a job with
'loadsa' money. King's had its hands tied by the blue book
and was forced to sadly let Eric go. As I considered this to
be a terrible waste of Eric's ability I requested an
audience with the Principal of Kings and presented the case
for Eric. Professor Sutherland recognised the problem and
fortunately Eric remained at King's, appreciated, recognised
and with an improvement in his financial status.
Professor Sutherland did not let me off lightly with my
'victory'. Go and establish a qualification for Eric, I was
told. 'The Eric' or 'Foundation Certificate' was my goal and
I am delighted to say that the Institute of Anatomical
Sciences supported my enthusiasm. As it implies the
Foundation Certificate is just that. The examiners appointed
by the I.A.S. accompanied Eric for half a day whilst he
carried out his normal duties. Safety, technical ability and
sound common sense were reviewed. At the end of the morning
Eric was deemed to have satisfied the examiners. I was
delighted. The next thing is to encourage employers that our
qualification really means something.
Many Departments will have a valuable member of staff in
this position, but with no paper qualification. If this
applies in your Department please contact the I.A.S. that we
may make appropriate arrangements.
For more information contact:
Education Officer: Tracy Cuffe
t.cuffe@bsms.ac.uk
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