1. What is the ACGS? What does the ACGS do? What are the benefits of joining the ACGS? Why should GTs join the ACGS?

2. What is the ACGS? The Association for Clinical Genetic Science (ACGS) was established in December 2012 from a merger of the Association for Clinical Cytogenetics (ACC) and the Clinical Molecular Genetics Society (CMGS) with the vision of bringing together scientists working within genetics into one professional association. The ACGS is governed by its constitution and run by its elected Executive committee consisting of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and the Chairs of the 4 standing subcommittees; Quality, Scientific, Workforce Development and Communications. Each subcommittee is made up of ACGS members representing a range of career levels on a voluntary basis. Any member of the ACGS can apply to join a subcommittee.

3. What does the ACGS do? Represents the views of the profession to the Department of Health Sets Professional Standards for UK labs – Best Practice Guidelines Responsible for Clinical Scientist and Genetic Technologist Training and Development Convenes at the Annual Spring Scientific Meeting Organises study days to support training and development Supports and funds collaborative scientific projects and audits Maintains ACGS Website and supports other databases and trials Supports career development

4. What are the aims of the ACGS? For the public benefit, the promotion, protection and preservation of good health by any means deemed appropriate by the Trustees from time to time including by: -The promotion, encouragement and advancement of the study and practice of clinical genetic science -The advancement of education, research and innovation in clinical genetic science -The development and promotion of standards in clinical genetic science

5. What are the benefits of joining? ACGS and BSHG Newsletter Opportunity to shape your profession One voice for Clinical Genetic Science Offers Travel Awards for overseas conferences Members rates for ACGS Spring meeting, study days and BSGM annual conference Reduced price ACS assessment Access to a wide range of literature, including discounts for Scion Publishing and Oxford University Press Support for your career The chance to exchange genetic knowledge with your peers. Password protected online access to the members area including the online directory

6. Why should GTs join the ACGS? Genetic Technologist numbers at all career levels are a rapidly growing and are an increasingly integral part of Genetic Laboratories, but GTs are under- represented in the ACGS membership Representation allows GTs to have a greater say in the matters that affect them, have input into the ACGS and therefore get more out of it With greater GT representation and feedback more can be done to engage GTs with the ACGS. For example: GT study days, GT focussed sessions at conferences, GT focussed articles in Newsletters. Did you know any ACGS member can apply to join a sub-committee of the ACGS, submit articles to the Newsletter, or abstracts to conferences? This includes GTs. The ACGS wants more GTs to get involved, joining gives you a voice to influence what the ACGS does and this affects you.

7. How to join www.bsgm.org.uk/membership/how-to-join Membership is open to professionals working within clinical genetic science in either a hospital or research environment. Organisations or companies whose work is associated with clinical genetic science may apply for associate membership of the Association. Membership of the ACGS also includes membership of the BSGM. Prospective members must be nominated by two existing members of the ACGS.

8. Today’s GT study day has been funded by the ACGS as a means to engage with GTs and encourage membership. Without representation of GTs in the membership asking for these events and the commitment of the ACGS to include, encourage and support GTs this would not have been possible.