To streamline the application process and ensure future access to IEMA's professional membership levels remains fair, the Institute is set to introduce a revised Full membership standard at the end of March next year
IEMA’s professional standards committee (PSC) approved the proposed changes at the end of November following a review of the Full membership standard over the past year. Changes to the required competencies and the interview method for those applying for Full and Dual (Full and CEnv) membership will now be implemented from 31 March 2014, with online support available from February.
Key alterations to the standard include:
- clarity on required competencies;
- closer alignment between Full membership and CEnv;
- greater scope to explain achievements in the submitted paper; and
- a simplified, more convenient application and interview process.
Each change is intended to provide greater clarity, consistency and accessibility to upgrading to Full membership and ensure that IEMA can meet the growing demand for MIEMA without diluting the standard.
Gillian Gibson, chair of the PSC, commented: “A major aim of the review was to clarify exactly what the applicant is required to demonstrate through the documents they submit and at interview. The review of the standard included substantial input from a working group of volunteer members, whose recommendations helped ensure the revised application and assessment processes are clear, achievable and equitable.”
She explains that the core of the standard remains the requirement that an applicant demonstrate how, through work and volunteering, they have used their environmental and sustainability knowledge, alongside skills – such as, leadership, tenacity and strategic thinking – to drive forward the environmental sustainability agenda.
“The revised standard will enable applicants to produce higher quality papers and be better prepared for interview,” said Gibson. Josh Fothergill, IEMA’s acting head of professional standards added that: “The revisions will provide a modern and straightforward process, while retaining the high quality of standards intrinsic to IEMA’s vision for the profession.”
As the preparations for introducing the revised standard are now taking place, anyone thinking of applying for Full or Dual is encouraged to wait until the changes apply because administrative restrictions mean the Institute must limit the number of applications it can accept before 31 March. If this affects your plans for upgrading in early 2014 call +44 (0)1522 540069 to speak to the IEMA professional standards team who can advise you of the best approach.
Further details of the changes can be found in this month’s training focus supplement, at iema.net/full or from [email protected].
