OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of IRPA is to provide a medium whereby those engaged in radiation protection activities in all countries may communicate more readily with each other and through this process advance radiation protection in many parts of the world. This includes relevant aspects of such branches of knowledge as science, medicine, engineering, technology and law, to provide for the protection of man and his environment from the hazards caused by radiation, and thereby to facilitate the safe use of medical, scientific, and industrial radiological practices for the benefit of mankind.

It is a major task for IRPA to provide for and support international meetings for the discussion of radiation protection. The International Congresses of IRPA itself are the most important of these meetings. These have been held about every four years since 1966.

For all Associate Societies of IRPA and individual members, it is an important objective to attend the next International IRPA Congress. For many other related professions it is an excellent opportunity to communicate on the achievements, scientific knowledge and operational experience in radiation protection.

Further objectives of IRPA are:

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IRPA STRATEGIC PLAN
2008-2020

MISSION

IRPA is the international voice of the radiation protection profession and promotes excellence in national and regional associate societies and radiation protection professionals by providing benchmarks of good practice and enhancing professional competence and networking.

2020 VISION

IRPA promotes excellence in national and regional associate societies and in radiation protection professionals by providing support, guidance, benchmarks of good practice, exchange of information, and by facilitating networking to ensure that the highest standards of professional conduct, skills and knowledge are applied for the benefit of society. IRPA is recognized by its members and stakeholders as the international voice of the radiation protection profession in the enhancement of radiation protection culture and practice worldwide.

GOALS

2008-2012
 

1.     Promote excellence in the conduct of IRPA

        Task 1    In accordance with the revised constitution (2008), develop rules and procedures to ensure the conduct of
                      excellent and effective IRPA congresses.
                        •    ensures a smooth operation of congresses;
                        •    assists radiation protection professionals and Associate Societies to share information; and
                        •    promotes the transfer of information to future International Congresses.

        Responsibility    The President, Executive Officer and Rules Committee.

2.    Promote excellence in national and regional associate societies.

        Task 1    Develop a position paper on the subject of an effective society
                        •    New societies
                        •    Existing societies
                        •    Model for organization
                        •    Model for operation

        Responsibility    The President will make assignment.

        Task 2    Create a work plan that:
                        •    identifies radiation protection groups that participated in IRPA 12 but that do not belong to affiliated
                              societies;  
                        •    develops a plan to approach them and explore their potential for becoming affiliated;
                        •    proposes a mechanism for IRPA Associate Societies to provide mentors to them;
                        •    establishes priorities for countries and regions.  

        Responsibility    The Vice President will develop a position paper on admissions and membership.

3.    Promote excellence in radiation protection professionals

        Task 1    Develop a Strategy Plan on education and training activities.

        Responsibility    The Executive Council (President will make assignments).

        Task 2    Promote and support the development of guidance documents for use by radiation protection professionals
                      and Associate Societies.
                        •    Develop a draft guidance document on a radiation protection culture by 2012.
                        •    Solicit Associate Societies for the development of guidance for professional qualification.
                        •    Assist radiation protection professionals and Associate Societies to provide feedback of their
                             experiences using the guidance documents;
    
        Responsibility    The Executive Council (President will make assignments).

4.    IRPA is recognized by its members and stakeholders as the international voice of the radiation protection profession

        Task 1    Prepare a document on the criteria for engaging IRPA with its Associate Societies, international
                      organizations and others including:
                        •    customers and stakeholders, such as:
                                i) affiliated societies,
                                ii) members,
                                iii) international outside organizations
                                iv) society as a whole.
                        •    what IRPA provides, such as:
                                i) professional enhancement for members
                                ii) resources on radiation protection
                        •    what IRPA is, such as:
                                i) independent
                                ii) network of societies
                        •    what IRPA does, such as:
                                i)  promote effective societies,
                                ii) promote professionalism
                                iii) promote standards for individual members
                                iv) promote effective communication on goals
                                v) promote feedback
                                vi) promote professional and scientific education
                                vii) promote networking among radiation professionals

        Responsibility    The Executive Council (President will make assignments).    

        Task 2    Develop collaborative arrangements with international organizations to improve radiation protection worldwide.

        Responsibility    The President and Executive Council.

        Task 3    Prepare a paper on the evolution of the publication and communication policy.
    
        Responsibility    The Publications Director

        Task 4    Develop a scheme for the future support of IRPA activities.
    
        Responsibility    The Executive Council (President will make assignment).