What is the College of Applied Biology?
The College of Applied Biology was created by an act of the BC Provincial Legislature and changes to The College of Applied Biology Act (2002) require legislative approval. The College of Applied Biology Act is the only legislation of its kind in North America, and is the first time applied biologists have been granted full professional status through self-governing legislation.
The College of Applied Biology and the Act:
The College of Applied Biology and the Act:
- Promote and uphold scientific principles and methods in applied biology;
- Ensure competence of registered members through audits and performance reviews;
- Set standards for ethics, conduct and professional performance to hold the members accountable;
- Evaluates and provide comments on legislation;
- Require and promote continuing professional development to ensure members and practicing biologists are current in their fields; and,
- Provide public assurance for professionalism and practice of members in the field of applied biology.
What does it mean to be a regulated professional?
Self-regulation is an exceptional privilege. The reason why professions are accorded this privilege is that governments trust professionals to be able to put aside their self-interest in favour of serving in and promoting the public interest. This follows from the ethos of professionalism which has an important aspect a commitment which has an important aspect a commitment to an ideology of service. This ideology of service is an integral aspect of self-regulation. - Human Resources Professionals Association, 2015
Oversight....
The College is a leading voice to promote and uphold scientific principles and methods in applied biology and the principles of stewardship.
The College provides public assurance of professionalism in the practice of applied biology by its members. The College sets the entrance standards to provide assurance to the public that member of the College should have the ability to practice competently. To ensure that the members continue to practice competently, accountability mechanisms are in place; audits of practice, discipline processes and requirements for continuing professional development are in place.
Accountability...
Currently, the College has two processes in place that promote and assure the public and the profession of a high standard of practice and conduct of our members. Proactively, the College conducts random audits of members through the Audit and Practice Review provisions. A committee of experienced members who have themselves been audited, conduct thorough examinations of chosen members to assure their practices meet the standards set by the College. This process is as much a learning experience that influences future practice as it is a checkup on current performance. Reactively, the College’s Discipline Committee receives reports from the public and members of concerns that a member has not acted in accordance with the high standard set for conduct, investigates and may take remedial action if warranted. A third option, Practice Review which may result from an unsatisfactory Audit, or which does not meet the severity of a Discipline action, is under development.
The College is a leading voice to promote and uphold scientific principles and methods in applied biology and the principles of stewardship.
The College provides public assurance of professionalism in the practice of applied biology by its members. The College sets the entrance standards to provide assurance to the public that member of the College should have the ability to practice competently. To ensure that the members continue to practice competently, accountability mechanisms are in place; audits of practice, discipline processes and requirements for continuing professional development are in place.
Accountability...
Currently, the College has two processes in place that promote and assure the public and the profession of a high standard of practice and conduct of our members. Proactively, the College conducts random audits of members through the Audit and Practice Review provisions. A committee of experienced members who have themselves been audited, conduct thorough examinations of chosen members to assure their practices meet the standards set by the College. This process is as much a learning experience that influences future practice as it is a checkup on current performance. Reactively, the College’s Discipline Committee receives reports from the public and members of concerns that a member has not acted in accordance with the high standard set for conduct, investigates and may take remedial action if warranted. A third option, Practice Review which may result from an unsatisfactory Audit, or which does not meet the severity of a Discipline action, is under development.
Want to know more about the accountability mechanisms that guide the practice of biology by Registered Professional Biologists? Head here for resource material developed by the College of Applied Biology to guide their members.