Eesha Vyas CSci, Global Regulatory Submission Manager

Why did you decide to apply for CSci registration?

I wanted to prove to myself that I was working at a high professional standard in regulatory affairs. Through the years I have thought creatively and generated new ideas in the workplace, refined various processes to simplify the way we work, mentored colleagues and built my own capability within and outside the profession. Applying for CSci made me scrutinise my work further and really consider whether I really have what it takes to gain chartered status. Once I started to brainstorm on all the capabilities, I was assured that I had at least two or three examples for each one and decided to go ahead with the formal application.

Was the process straightforward?

It is indeed a straightforward process to apply. However, completing the capability framework may take a few weeks or even a couple of months. It is advisable to set aside dedicated time to recollect on all your experiences of the past three to five years in order to demonstrate how you fulfil particular competencies.

How long did it take you?

I was able to complete my application over six weeks. I would use a dedicated amount of time during weekday evenings and weekends to brainstorm how I would articulate my professional experience to the panel. From the time I started to think of applying to gain chartered status, the process took seven to eight months.

What advice would you give to anyone considering starting out on the process?

I would encourage application from other healthcare regulatory professionals, bearing in mind that this is not solely about your regulatory knowledge, it is far beyond that. Consider your reasons for applying and have a thorough read of the competencies across the five areas. Having a think about your day-to-day role, leadership activities and multifaceted projects you have shaped will be a highly introspective but satisfying experience. I also attended a CSci workshop led by TOPRA, which gave an enormously useful insight into preparing the application with concrete examples.

How do you think this professional registration will support you in your career?

I am relatively early in my career but I recognise that I have diversified my regulatory experience by achieving professional registration. I would now like to extend beyond my organisation and perhaps work with professional bodies such as TOPRA to devise workshop material, contribute to articles and be a part of steering committees/broader networks. It is an opportunity to shape the regulatory world both within and outside my organisation – something I am currently brainstorming on. Professional registration for me is also a journey, a constant reminder of enhancing my experiences to maintain professional development throughout the year.

Do you think being on the Science Council’s Chartered Scientist Register helps regulatory professionals to be recognised as on a par with other R&D scientists and Chartered engineers?

I hope so and I would like to see so. Perhaps more broadcasting is required and companies are not fully aware of the definition of Chartered Scientists or what it entails, whereas it is widely known in the engineering sector and young workers are actively encouraged to work towards professional registration, more so to gain management/leadership positions. I do understand that professional registration is relatively new for regulatory professionals and it may take some years for it to evolve into a true mark of quality with wider recognition. I would like to think that will be in the not-so-distant future.

For more information about Chartered Scientist and other professional registration opportunities, click here.

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