Chartership plays a central role in upholding professional standards, but what does it mean in practice today - and what stops people from pursuing it? In this discussion, our Director of Membership & Professional Standards Paul Skerry (CEng FICE FCInstCES FIMMM) talks to Sarah West (Head of Engagement & Policy, Science Council), Phil Underwood (CMktr, Engagement Manager, Society for the Environment), and Lucy Byrne (Professional Standards Manager, Engineering Council). They explore the real barriers individuals face on the path to professional registration, from misconceptions about qualifications and career routes to a lack of confidence, inconsistent support, and the complexities of working across multiple organisations.

The conversation also looks at how mentors can better support candidates, how institutions can open clearer pathways for those without traditional academic backgrounds, and where messaging should focus: personal benefits, professional values, or public responsibility. Against the backdrop of public failures such as Horizon and Grenfell, the speakers reflect on the relevance of codes of conduct, whistleblowing, HRB requirements and the growing emphasis on accountability. They also consider how chartership aligns with modern industrial strategy, why employers benefit from registered professionals, and how to broaden participation so that chartership is truly accessible to all.

Music

Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod

Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/