Justifying evidence is one of the most important parts of the IBMS Registration Portfolio. It helps show that you understand why an evidence item is relevant, not just that you have collected a document.
This guide explains how to write clear, professional justifications in plain English. It is written for trainee Biomedical Scientists, placement students and trainers supporting portfolio work.
Who this guide is for
This article is useful if you are:
- Completing the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio.
- Unsure how to explain evidence clearly.
- Receiving feedback that your evidence needs more detail.
- Supporting a trainee with portfolio preparation.
- Trying to link laboratory practice to professional standards.
Key points
- A justification should explain why the evidence is relevant.
- It should be written in your own words.
- It should link the evidence to learning, safe practice and professional standards.
- It should not copy text directly from SOPs, textbooks or another trainee's portfolio.
- It should avoid patient-identifiable or confidential information.
What justification means
In portfolio work, justification means explaining the value of your evidence. It answers the question: "How does this evidence show that I understand or can apply this area of practice?"
For example, uploading a training record may show that you attended a session. A justification explains what the session covered, why it matters, how it links to your role and what you learned from it.
Why justification matters
Assessors and verifiers need to understand your reasoning. They are not only checking that you have uploaded documents; they are checking whether you can connect training, knowledge and professional behaviour.
A clear justification helps show:
- Your understanding of the topic.
- Your awareness of safe practice.
- Your ability to reflect on learning.
- Your ability to communicate professionally.
- Your understanding of relevant standards and local procedures.
A simple structure to use
You can use a simple four-part structure:
- What is the evidence?
- Why is it relevant?
- What did I learn?
- How does it support safe Biomedical Science practice?
This structure keeps the writing focused and prevents long, unclear paragraphs.
Example structure in practice
If your evidence is a supervised training record for internal quality control, your justification might explain:
- The purpose of internal quality control.
- Why QC is important before patient results are reported.
- What you learned about acceptable limits, trends or escalation.
- How this supports accurate, safe and reliable laboratory testing.
This should be written from your own learning experience. Do not copy a generic explanation and present it as personal evidence.
Linking evidence to standards
When linking evidence to standards, avoid simply listing standard numbers. Instead, explain the connection in plain language.
For example, if an evidence item relates to communication, explain how it shows clear reporting, escalation, handover or professional discussion. If it relates to quality, explain how it supports reliable results, audit, non-conformance management or continuous improvement.
Referencing and supporting information
You should reference scientific concepts, legislation, professional guidance and quality management principles where appropriate. Harvard referencing is a suitable style if your university or training provider has not specified another format.
Useful sources may include:
- IBMS guidance.
- HCPC standards.
- Local laboratory SOPs or policies.
- UKAS or quality management principles.
- Relevant textbooks or peer-reviewed sources.
Do not upload confidential SOPs publicly or copy large sections into your portfolio. Use them to support your understanding and reference them according to local policy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Uploading evidence with no explanation.
- Writing "this meets the standard" without explaining how.
- Copying SOP wording instead of summarising your own understanding.
- Using evidence that does not clearly relate to the portfolio requirement.
- Including identifiable patient details.
- Overclaiming competence beyond your supervised role.
- Waiting until the end of training to write all justifications.
Practical writing tips
- Keep each justification clear and focused.
- Use short paragraphs.
- Write in the first person when reflecting on your own learning.
- Use professional language.
- Explain abbreviations when first used.
- Check spelling, grammar and confidentiality before submission.
- Ask your trainer for feedback early.
Trainer feedback
Feedback is part of the learning process. If your trainer asks for more detail, try to identify what is missing. You may need to explain the scientific principle, the professional relevance, the quality impact or your personal learning more clearly.
Do not see feedback as failure. A good portfolio often improves through discussion, correction and reflection.
Summary
Good justification turns evidence into learning. It shows that you understand why the evidence matters and how it connects to safe, professional Biomedical Science practice.
Aim for clear, honest and well-referenced writing. Use guidance and examples to support your structure, but make sure the final work reflects your own training and your own professional development.