About Us
The Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRAB) is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards in genetic counselling and it comprises of 10 AHCS Registered Genetic Counsellors as full members. Three advisory members will be appointed, one with academic/educational expertise, one being a clinical geneticist (medical practitioner), and one representing the patient and public perspective (lay members). All 10 members have full voting rights. We aim to represent the devolved nations of the UK and so co-opted representatives will be invited to ensure we have representation. List of current board members, their responsibilities and contact details can be found at Board Roles (006_DOC) below.
The GCRAB may co-opt additional member(s) for specific purposes for a defined period of time and/or for a specific task as set by the GCRAB, to the maximum of three years. This person will be known as a co-opted member and will not have Board voting rights (unless they are standing in because of another board member’s absence). The GCRAB will also appoint an administrator to provide support to the board.
Term
The standard term of office will be five years; and Board members would be expected to serve a minimum of one full term unless extenuating circumstances apply. Following negotiation with the Board on an annual basis, an existing GCRAB Board member may continue in office for a maximum of a further 3 years.
Declaration of Interests
AHCS Registered Genetic Counsellors have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the organisation, and in accordance with its governing documents, and to avoid situations where there may be a potential conflict of interest. Others acting within the remit of the GCRAB have similar obligations. Board members are required to complete a declaration of interest form.
Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Group
GCRAB wants to put the voices of patients, the public and carers at the heart of its work to ensure genetic counselling in the UK is safe and therefore we have a Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Group. The experiences and lay expertise of the PIP representatives will inform decisions in the development, operation and regulation of the GCRAB.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy
The GCRAB are committed to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We have a commitment to EDI and are working towards making sure that every member feels included and able to get their voice heard. We encourage individuals who have protected characteristics to approach GCRAB if you require further support or input from us.
We have engaged with the British Society of Genomic Medicine (BSGM) EDI sub-committee as well as Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors (AGNC) subcommittee for equality, diversity and inclusion. Some potential areas of work have been highlighted through this engagement and we are working towards them.
These include:
- Improving accessibility of our documentation and communications to people who have protected characteristics.
- Incorporating EDI and cultural competence teaching within our Sign of Mentor (SOM) training.
- Review our professional standards to ensure further embedding EDI into good working practice.
GCRAB Privacy Statement
We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of your personal data. Your personal information will be held strictly in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016. The purpose of this statement is to tell you what. you can expect when the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRAB) collects personal. data. For more information please view our Privacy notice.(document being worked on)
Fees
Information on the GCRAB fee structure is available at here
AGNC
The Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors is an organisation representing genetic counsellors, genetic nurses and non-medical, patient-facing staff working within the discipline of Clinical Genetics, NHS Genomic Medicine Centres and wider healthcare. settings in the UK and Ireland. For further information click here
The AGNC is one of five constituent groups of the British Society of Genomic Medicine click here. If you have any questions or comments please contact our administrator [email protected]
Please find further information in the relevant board documents below.