Strategy to achieve the objectives of EUTERP
Earlier, there were a number of ongoing and planned national and international activities related to education and training and to recognition of RPEs. First of all, under the topic Education and Training of the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission, several projects had been selected that address radiation protection in various sectors of work.
Secondly, the IAEA has developed a strategy plan to establish sustainable radiation protection education and training infrastructures in its member states. A Steering Committee on Education and Training in Radiation Protection and Waste Safety has been established in 2002 and advises the IAEA on the progress of its strategy plan.
Thirdly, IRPA has declared that Education and Training is a key factor in establishing effective national radiation protection programmes.
All these projects dealt with education and training, each with its own specific objectives. All of them had in common that they aim to combat the decline in RPEs and to make effective use of training resources. By their international structure, they are facilitating the international harmonisation of the education and training programmes as well as the criteria for recognition.
The strategy for the Platform is therefore to obtain the position of centre half with respect to all education, training and recognition activities in the European Union. It establishes close links with all these projects and organisations. The results of the various projects can on the one hand be disseminated by the Platform in an effective way throughout the European Union and they can also be used as input for further work of the Platform.
Furthermore, the Platform acts as an advisory body for the European Commission on education and training issues. Within the Platform it is discussed whether the use of standardised training material in the various countries, identifies the training needs and facilitates in the support and assistance of establishing a high standard of radiation protection in all European countries.
After 1 April 2009, it is tried to make the EUTERP platform an EUTERP foundation. This is carried out by an interim Steering Committee. At 12 November 2009 the EUTERP platform should be transformed into an EUTERP foundation, thus assuring a self-sustainable co-ordination body in the longer term.