[9] Until 1996, the SoR was also the professional body and trades union for radiographers in Ireland whereupon the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy was established.

In 1921, a syllabus was developed and examinations were introduced to facilitate competency checks before membership was granted to new members.

This was to be a crucial step along the road to medical ownership of x-ray work and to establish consultant posts in radiology.

In fact they resigned en-masse including A A Campbell Swinton is said to be the first person in the UK to produce a radiograph.

It was not until the 1970s that Dr Swinburne, a radiologist, from Leeds said it was time for official recognition that radiographers assist in film interpretations.

[14] The Council determines the Society's policy and strategic direction in consultation with members and others that have a vested interest.

Following study equivalent to Masters level, students with a DCR could proceed by examination to the Higher Diploma of the College of Radiographers (HDCR).

Holders of the HDCR undergoing specialist training in management were awarded the Management Diploma of the College of Radiographers (MDCR) and those undergoing specialist training in the teaching of radiography were awarded the Teaching Diploma of the College of Radiographers (TDCR).

The college maintains an Accreditation and Approval Board which aims to protect patients of radiographers by raising the standards of education and practice.

[6] The organisation was previously associated with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions(ICTU) but it left in 2013 citing financial constraints as the reason.

[35] The Silver Medal was first struck in 1985 and is awarded by The Society of Radiographers to recognise and acknowledge individuals for outstanding dedication and contribution to the profession of Radiography.

Nominees must be members of the Society of Radiographers (or retired from active service and membership), or non-members who are outstanding contributors to the profession.

Their work may span any aspect of the imaging and therapy modalities and/or the wider spheres of commerce, industry and management; as such overseas nominees are also eligible.

[38] The Bryan Macey Scholarship, named for a former Chief Executive, is open to all Society Health and Safety and Industrial Relations representatives for trade union-related academic study.

The fund will enable successful applicants to spend time studying innovations in technology and practice at a leading world class cancer institution(s).

It is managed by the College of Radiographers Board of Trustees and a number of radiography placements in developing countries have been supported by the fund.