Council sat last Thursday and, as it was the first meeting of the year, the trustees who sit on Council came to the building for a bit of (re)orientation. Daniel asked me to show one group around the building. So we wandered round the place and the grand finale was Qualifications (of course). While here Isabel, a returning Councillor/Trustee suggested I blog the fact that Fellowship candidates can now register their interest.

Good idea, it’s not something they’ve had to do in the past. Sometimes the first inkling we get someone wants to go for this prestigious qualification is the portfolio dropping on the doormat. Fellowship candidates probably feel they just have to get on with it but there is help available. We can put prospective candidates in touch with supporters and PTEG (the Personnel, Training and Education Group) sometimes arranges sessions on making good applications.

Also we’ve got guidance on the CILIP site, including advice for whoever is writing the supporting letter – a very important element of the application. One of the criteria is demonstrating that the candidate has made a significant contribution to the profession and a third party’s opinion is very powerful.

Since 2005 there has been an option of completing two cycles of Revalidation and then applying for Fellowship, using the Assessment Panel’s feedback. However it’s worth noting that the two cycles aren’t a prerequisite and someone with six years Chartered membership under their belt and only one cycle of Revalidation (or none) is equally eligible to apply. If you’re thinking of making that step, get in touch with the Qualifications Team.