IOM3 Investigates...Mythbusting Chartership
Chartership plays a central role in upholding professional standards, but what does it mean in practice today - and what stops people from pursuing it?
We're celebrating Chartered Week 2026 from 23 to 27 February. We recorded this podcast as part of our activities to highlight the value of professional registration and celebrate our Chartered community.
Explore our Chartered Week page to see all activities and find out why this week matters to us.
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 FIMMM talks to:
- Sarah West, Head of Engagement & Policy at the Science Council
- Phil Underwood CMktr, Engagement Manager at the Society for the Environment)
- Lucy Byrne, Professional Standards Manager at the 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/
