Image of a plant health professional holding a plant cutting

Plant Health Professionals

A new professional register to demonstrate skills, experience and commitment in plant health related study or work.

The Plant Health Professional Register provides independent recognition and validation of your plant health and biosecurity competencies, professional standing and achievements. It is suitable for everyone working with plants from sectors including: horticulture and crop industries, forestry, land management, the natural environment, plant science and research.

Plant health registration is based on a competency framework that aligns with the current Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain as well as industry-led standards and assurance schemes. There are three levels within the register - Associate, Registered and Senior Plant Health Professional - providing a clear pathway for competency development and career progression. Plant health professional registrants are entitled to use the postnominals PHP after their name.

Why apply to the Plant Health Professionals Register?

There are many benefits to holding PHP registration including:
Hold a recognised award that demonstrates your professional competencies, on‐the‐job experience, commitment to good biosecurity practice and regulatory compliance.
Eligibility to use post-nominal letters: APHP, RPHP or SPHP for Associate, Registered or Senior Plant Health Professional, respectively.
Appear on the public Plant Health Professionals Register Directory, boosting your career opportunities by highlighting your experience to potential employers and wider stakeholders.
Access to the RSB's continuing professional development (CPD) scheme and discounts on RSB training courses to: expand your skill set; gain support for appraisals, your CV and job applications; demonstrate your commitment to continual learning; provide evidence of your training and development
Receive tailored invitations to free plant health events and talks, joining a network of like-minded professionals to share knowledge, expertise and up-to-date information.

For more information, watch this Introduction to the Plant Health Professional Register video or contact the team at registers@rsb.org.uk.

In addition to the register, the RSB is delivering a suite of initiatives in plant health, including a Plant Health networking event series, fully-funded Plant Health Undergraduate Summer Studentships and a Plant Health Professionals networking group on LinkedIn.

Plant Health Professional Register Associate online training course

We have developed an online training course to support applicants to the Plant Health Professional Register. It covers topics from plant health principles and governance, to identifying and controlling pests and pathogens, good biosecurity practices, and raising awareness in the community. The course is available on the RSB online training portal, myLearning. The first video introduces the Plant Health Professional (PHP) register and is free to everybody. The remaining modules are free to RSB members at any level.

Requirements

Registrants are required to join and maintain membership of the RSB as an Affiliate, Associate, Member or Fellow. Details on how to join and associated costs* are found on our membership page.

*RSB membership discounts are available to those who are studying full-time, a recent graduate, retired, not in paid employment, or on a career break. We also offer a 50% discount for two years if you are a member of one of our Member Organisations.

Guidance for applicants

To start your application visit our members' area, mySociety. Download our full guidance document for support on your application, and answers to frequently asked questions. There are three different levels of the PHP register: Associate, Registered and Senior. Please refer to our guidance document to find further details on which level to apply for, and the requirements for registration.

View our online leaflet for key facts.

If you have questions about how to apply, please contact us at registers@rsb.org.uk.
The Royal Society of Biology is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline: At school, in higher education, the workplace and training.

How to maintain PHP registration

PHP registration is maintained through upkeep of membership fees and register renewal fees, and an annual continued professional development record. There is a single CPD system for all Royal Society of Biology members, which is simple to use and a widely recognised system for CBiol and other professional registers.

Plant Health Professional Register Committee

Registration standards are overseen by a committee comprising representatives of plant health agencies from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Forestry Commission, the horticulture sector and the Royal Society of Biology:

Charles Lane (Fera Science Ltd)
Nicola Cummings (DAERA - Northern Ireland)
Alan MacLeod (Defra)
Maureen Wakefield (Fera Science Ltd)
Katie Parker (Forestry Commission)
Jane Barbrook (APHA)
David Skydmore (Consultant)
Lucy Carson-Taylor (APHA)
Bill MacDonald (Welsh Government)
James Robson (APHA)
Susan Ross (SASA)
Ryan Simpson (Viridis Plants, Boningale Ltd)
Stewart Snape (Scottish Forestry)
Helen Tozer (APHA)

Competencies

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Application Fee	£30
Renewal Fee	£30

Start your application now and join the world's biggest network of life science professionals.

For more information on professional registration, read our Frequently Asked Questions

Joining the RSci register recognises my skills as a professional scientist, in particular the 'on-the-job' experience I have gained on top of my qualifications. The process allowed me an opportunity to reflect on the work I have done and has helped me appreciate how much I have learned over the past couple of years. I now have access to many CPD opportunities through the RSB, and keeping a record also allows me to reflect.

Picture of Dr Cliff Collis CBiol CSci FRSB

I thought the registers were an innovative idea, because they relied on my work experience rather than academic qualifications, giving me the same chance to join as everyone else. Also, I liked that continued registration was dependent on CPD, as this would help me keep up to date.

Picture of Dr George Perry CBiol CSci CSciTeach FRSB

I joined the registers that document and guide maintenance of my core competencies as a biologist (CBiol), scientist (CSci) and teacher (CSciTeach). The register has guided my efforts to increase effectiveness and balance in research, service and teaching. Even more, it formally requires me to reflect on social impact, an aspect often lost. RSB registers assure competency and mentorship at all stages of career and are invaluable.

In my role, there is an expectation from regulatory authorities of being able to demonstrate that you are an appropriately qualified individual to perform safety assessments. Joining the UK Register of Toxicologists register has provided a visible and internationally accepted recognition of my professional skills and experience. I would recommend applying to join the register to any toxicologist who feels they have the appropriate experience.

I joined the Chartered Biologist register (CBiol) because I wanted to have recognition for the skills I have developed during my career and the commitment I have made to my professional development. I would really recommend joining a professional register as being part of a community that publicly holds itself accountable for high standards is something to be proud of and can help you to inspire others as well.

Picture of Susan Alexander CBiol CSci MRSB

I run my own business as a science consultant, trainer and auditor for environmental health and medical laboratory services, and it's very important for me to demonstrate knowledge and commitment to high standards in industry. In a nutshell, my professional registration helps me win contracts in a very competitive market.

I am the Production Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, responsible for the Biosecurity and Plant Health of 1.5 million shrubs, herbaceous, ferns and grasses at Wyevale Nurseries. Joining the plant health register has further bolster my biosecurity credentials, allowed me to feel more confident in my own plant health knowledge, and has opened opportunities to work with other plant health organisations.

Plant Health Professionals

Fees