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The Department of Health, the Royal College of Radiologists and the Society and College of Radiographers have held a first meeting to commence a new project to test the four-tier work force structure in the wider field of radiography in England. The project follows on from work that has already been undertaken in breast screening and radiotherapy services and will build on the knowledge and experiences gained in those projects. At present the details are yet to be finalised, but will be announced shortly.

The project will consist of several stages. The first stage will require that the many components necessary to deliver an imaging service are identified, and a 'functional map' made of the service. This will identify each stage in the imaging process, from referral through to reporting. The map needs be completed before the 2nd phase of the project can start and will commence in May. Volunteer sites, to be involved in this mapping stage, will be sought from any unit offering imaging services in England.

Following the functional mapping, a competency framework, and subsequently national occupational standards, will be created which will identify the level of competency to which all should practice when undertaking specific tasks in imaging. This phase will involve the acquisition of greater detail and depth and a second round of volunteer sites will be sought. These sites will act as pilot sites in this project and consideration will be given to any imaging department, in England, who can fulfil specified criteria. The selection of the pilot sites will be made by a panel, which will include representatives of interested bodies. Judging by previous experience, it is anticipated that there will be about 8 pilot sites. It is expected that the groundwork will be in place in order that the pilot sites can begin work in early summer. As the field of clinical imaging is so broad, initially it will be necessary to concentrate on selected areas. These can then provide a foundation for development in other areas.

One of the crucial elements of the project is to ensure sustainability and transferability of competencies and skills at all levels. It is essential that all four levels within structure be tested and this will be one of the criteria specified to be a pilot site.

The DH, RCR and SCoR are looking forward to working closely together with the service on this project which it is intended will improve service delivery and address some of the workforce issues in clinical imaging.