Professional Licensing Scheme

In recent years the need for, and the number of consultants, surveying for bats has increased greatly. It became apparent that the conservation (or Roost Visitor) licensing system did not cater for those wishing to undertake consultancy work. In England a separate survey licence was therefore put together for those wishing to train and act as a consultant rather than a volunteer roost visitor. Unfortunately there is no standard training route or syllabus as there is for volunteer roost visitors.

In order to achieve a survey licence a consultant would be required to have attended a series of courses such as those already offered by BCT (to show they have the required theory knowledge) along with a large amount of practical experience (experience of  undertaking surveys of various structures under the guidance of a qualified consultant). To gain a licence an individual would need to be signed off (normally by 2 individuals with licences, or by a trainer), when they have showed that they have attained the required experience, in order to complete the process.

At the moment there is no set way of gaining a licence or the necessary experience and this is something that BCT would like to address.

BCT is currently putting together a professional licensing scheme to help standardise the process and provide a route to licensing for those who are finding it difficult. We brought together a small group of individuals who have a great deal of experience in the bat consultancy world to discuss the best method of doing this.  

• We will hope to set a syllabus and a set of criteria that someone would need to work to, to obtain a licence
• We will provide a list of places and people who are willing (at a cost) to offer training/experience in certain aspects of the syllabus.
• We will provide a way in which individuals could be examined and hopefully signed off if they are ready. (This will take the form of a weekend “exam course” that trainees could book on).
• This will not be the only way that an individual can gain a licence but will provide a potential route for those having difficulty in gaining the necessary experience, etc.

It is hoped that the scheme will be up and running in 2012. If you would like to be added to a mailing list and be notified when further information is available, please contact Helen Miller.