IOSH launches new member grade structure

The changes are the culmination of a thorough process which has involved IOSH consulting widely with its members, other professional bodies, recruiters, and global organisations.

There is a direct link between the new grades structure and IOSH’s competency framework, which sets the requirements for occupational safety and health (OSH) knowledge and experience at all levels of the profession. Meanwhile, recognition from business and industry will make it easier for members to progress in their careers.

A new outlook

There are changes to some membership grades, while others will experience little or no change.

IOSH has removed the Associate Member grade and replaced it with Affiliate Member. Meanwhile, the Graduate Member level will transition to Certified Member.

Members currently graded as Associate will have the option to upgrade to Technical or Certified with relevant qualifications and experience, or to Certified or Chartered via the experiential route.

The amends to other grades are:

• Student– members must be studying for an IOSH qualification or equivalent IOSH-accredited qualification
• Chartered and Fellow – members must undertake the IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning and assessment, and continue to maintain CPD in Blueprint at 30 hours a year.

There is no change for the Technical Member grade, with members still expected to keep their CPD up-to-date by recording 30 hours a year in Blueprint.

Meanwhile, a new ‘experiential’ route through member grades is introduced, which means that members can progress to some levels based on their experience even if they don’t have relevant qualifications.