About the Register
The RSC has compiled this Register of Analytical Chemists because there has never been a greater need for the public to be assured of the professional competence of analytical chemists, given the complex nature of modern society. Decisions on such issues as the liberty of the citizen, human and animal health, consumer and environmental protection, international trade and the integrity of sport are all dependent on the validity of analytical measurements and the interpretation placed upon them by professional analytical chemists.
In producing this register the RSC is fulfilling part of commitment, under the terms of its Charter, to serve the public interest by demonstrating that the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct are applied in this area of chemistry. Through two of our precursor societies, the Royal Institute of Chemistry and the Society for Analytical Chemistry, we have a long history of providing the means for analytical chemists to develop and maintain their professionalism in order to discharge their responsibilities to employers and clients.
Every individual on the register has voluntarily subjected himself or herself to a full evaluation of their knowledge, skills and experience in analytical chemistry. The evaluation requires demonstration of a broad knowledge and experience of the subject to enable a professional assessment to be made of the problem posed by the client or employer. Entry to the register is via the NVQ level 5 in analytical chemistry.
The RSC's Code of Conduct & Guidance on Professional Practice requires the individual to exercise judgement in deciding whether they have the further specialist knowledge to tackle the problem or to refer it to a more appropriately experienced colleague. The evaluation has thus been extended to the specialist area of expertise claimed by the registrant. We are sure that the register will be of value to legislators, government departments, employers, certification and registration bodies and the National Measurement Accreditation Service (NAMAS), particularly in the light of developments within the internal market in Europe.
As the truly protective science of a complex modern society, the users of analytical science need to be assured of the competence of practitioners. We are confident that our procedures for registration offer this assurance.
Members of the RSC, who are named on the Register, are entitled to use the designation "Registered Analytical Chemist" on their business cards, letterheads and promotional material.
