Policy Research & Information Sub Committee

For 2009/10 there will be three areas of focus:

• Policy
• Research
• Governance

With the introduction of the new IAFR brand, 2009 presents an excellent opportunity for our evolving international organisation to effectively represent the interests of its members and ensure best practice in forensic radiography.

Following the survey of practice in the USA by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) a further audit of national practice in the UK. This will determine how forensic radiography services are implemented and whether they reflect the IAFR/SCoR guidelines for radiographers providing a forensic radiography service. This will allow IAFR to benchmark current practice in the UK and develop practical tools (templates, proformas, case studies etc) for IAFR members to promote best practice.

Research has been identified as a key priority. There have been a number of valuable papers published on forensic radiography, which is a popular subject for both undergraduate and postgraduate papers.  In 2009/10, IAFR intend to provide more support for members and students in carrying out their research and to remain the primary source of accurate and current information for international radiography provision and practice.

IAFR will also represent forensic radiography practitioners who are members of the UK Forensic Radiography Response Team in providing support for their release from their departments in times of deployment. Negotiations have already been initiated with the Department of Health in association with the SCoR and Baroness Golding, (patron of IAFR and member of the House of Lords)

The policy for maintaining best value for committee meetings and spending of IAFR funds will be reinforced through a review of current practice to ensure that funds are appropriately utilised. It is anticipated that effective use of resources will provide sufficient funding for an Annual Research Award.