Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish a model of competence for newly qualified diagnostic radiographers which would be acceptable to a number of key stakeholders. Both the current and future roles of radiographers were considered. The research is published in two parts. Part 1 describes the background to the study, its methods and the results. Part 2 (published in the next issue) discusses the findings and considers the implications for professional practice and research.Methods: A wide-ranging Delphi survey was undertaken, using a panel of experts. Representatives from all areas of the U.K. were invited to participate. After a pilot study, three postal rounds of the survey were followed by a focus group meeting. In view of the importance in reaching agreement on professional standards, only those competences, which reached 80% level of consensus, were retained.Results: At the outset, 51 experts were invited to participate: the average response rate over three rounds was 85%. The panel agreed on a primary role statement for diagnostic radiographers and commented on the timescale after qualification when a radiographer could be considered to be 'competent'. One hundred and sixty two statements of competence were developed, grouped into nine categories. The panel also made a number of predictions about the future role of radiographers.Conclusion: The data provided evidence on the nature of competence and the relationship to the role of new diagnostic radiographers. Part 2 will discuss the findings and make recommendation for future research.