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Our Chairman, Donald Farr recounts the story of Eric de-Villiers and the birth of the Foundation Certificate, affectionately known as "The Eric".

Eric joined my Department nearly 15 years ago when nearly 50 years of age. His background was varied, his longest period of employment, getting on for 10 years, was in the Parachute Regiment until invalided out following an accident. Fully recovered he joined my Department in the role of Dissecting Room porter.

He was enthusiastic and keen to learn but, as he will readily admit, he was not wishing to take over the Department from Professor Webster. Obviously at Eric's stage of life he was unwilling to return to 'school' to qualify in Dissecting Room/Mortuary techniques so Eric's qualifications developed into years of service and masses of hands on experience. Regrettably in this age of 'blue books' paper qualifications are the 'b' all and 'end' all. This meant no promotion up the ladder, no extra money. To Eric this meant little recognition or appreciation.

Eric decided to leave King's to become a dustman, a job with 'loadsa' money. King's had its hands tied by the blue book and was forced to sadly let Eric go. As I considered this to be a terrible waste of Eric's ability I requested an audience with the Principal of Kings and presented the case for Eric. Professor Sutherland recognised the problem and fortunately Eric remained at King's, appreciated, recognised and with an improvement in his financial status.

Professor Sutherland did not let me off lightly with my 'victory'. Go and establish a qualification for Eric, I was told. 'The Eric' or 'Foundation Certificate' was my goal and I am delighted to say that the Institute of Anatomical Sciences supported my enthusiasm. As it implies the Foundation Certificate is just that. The examiners appointed by the I.A.S. accompanied Eric for half a day whilst he carried out his normal duties. Safety, technical ability and sound common sense were reviewed. At the end of the morning Eric was deemed to have satisfied the examiners. I was delighted. The next thing is to encourage employers that our qualification really means something.

Many Departments will have a valuable member of staff in this position, but with no paper qualification. If this applies in your Department please contact the I.A.S. that we may make appropriate arrangements.

Click here to download an application form Microsoft Word 2000 or compatible required, or form may not be displayed correctly.


For more information contact:

Education Officer: Tracy Cuffe

t.cuffe@bsms.ac.uk