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Chartered Fellowship

The profession’s highest honour for outstanding health and safety leaders

What is Chartered Fellow status?

CFIOSH stands for Chartered Fellow of IOSH. It’s the profession’s highest grade, recognising exceptional contribution and leadership in occupational safety and health.

Chartered Fellow status is for established leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. You’ll need at least five years as a Chartered Member and be able to show thought leadership, professional influence and sustained impact beyond your own organisation.

When you achieve Chartered Fellow status, you can use the CFIOSH post-nominal letters and join an exclusive community of leaders.

Why become a Chartered Fellow?

  • Professional distinction

    Stand out as a role model.

    • Recognition as part of the elite
    • Status as a role model
    • Advancing the profession

  • Leadership platform

    Authority to shape the profession’s future.

    • Credibility for strategic roles
    • Increased influence at board level
    • Choose own professional direction

  • Exclusive network

    Connect with other Chartered Fellows.

    • Access to exclusive forums and events
    • Direct connections to industry leaders
    • Chance to influence IOSH strategy

How much does it cost?

Fee type Cost Notes
Annual membership £219 per year £19 increase from Chartered membership
Assessment fee £435 Payable in full on registration
  • Many employers support this professional development investment.
  • You can reapply if not successful first time.
  • Assessment fee covers extensive review by senior Fellows.

"More than just an accolade, being a Chartered Fellow represents a dedication to professionalism, quality, creativity and the improvement of occupational safety and health procedures."

Haridas Nambiar CFIOSH

Job role
HSE Branch Head
Company
AG MELCO

Requirements

To apply for Chartered Fellow status, you must meet these requirements.

  1. Current Chartered membership

    You must have been a Chartered member (CMIOSH) for at least five years. 

  2. Senior leadership experience

    Minimum five years in senior health and safety leadership roles and be able to show strategic influence at executive or board level.

  3. Outstanding contribution

    Be able to show you’ve had an exceptional impact on the profession through developing new approaches, research, thought leadership, mentoring or advancing practice.

  4. Evidence of influence

    Shown through publications, speaking engagements, mentoring, industry recognition or shaping health and safety standards and policy.

  5. Continued professional excellence

    Full compliance with our ethical practice requirements and commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).

Ready to apply?

Be recognised for your leadership, influence, and commitment to occupational safety and health as a Chartered Fellow.

If you're earlier in your Chartered journey, focus on building your contribution and developing your thought leadership. Consider opportunities to mentor, publish, speak or lead major initiatives. Our membership team can discuss your development path.

Your questions answered

    Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH) is IOSH’s highest membership grade, awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication, leadership, and influence in occupational safety and health (OSH).

    While Chartered Members (CMIOSH) meet high professional standards, Fellows are recognised as role models who contribute significantly to the profession and community.

    Fellowship requires at least five years of Chartered membership and senior-level leadership experience.

    If your application is unsuccessful, IOSH will provide feedback and guidance on areas for improvement and a timescale for re-application.

    You may be asked to submit further evidence or attend an interview to support your submission.

    Yes, IOSH membership and Fellowship applications are open to international members.

    A mentor is not required for the Chartered Fellow application, but IOSH offers mentoring that can support your development. Mentoring can help with career planning, leadership skills, and CPD. It is available to all members.

    Your portfolio must demonstrate excellence across seven criteria, including leadership, integrity, influence and future contribution to occupational safety and health. You’ll need:

    • a CV covering the last 10 years
    • two supporting statements from senior professionals
    • a personal strategy statement
    • evidence of CPD and ethical practice
    • examples of your impact and contributions.