New route produces first Chartered Member

Many congratulations to Kamil Ahmed. He is the first of many more who will become Chartered Members of IOSH by this route, which was introduced in August 2024.

It seems that Kamil was already doing very well in his career, so why did he feel the need to step up to Chartered membership?

“I aspired to become a Chartered Member of IOSH because it represents the pinnacle of professional achievement in health and safety.”

Professional development assessment is the only route for Certified Members to gain Chartered status. It was introduced as part of IOSH’s work to future-proof the profession and ensure it can continue to influence and prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

PDA is a qualification-based progression route in which candidates gather evidence over a period of between 12 and 18 months. It aligns with the IOSH competency framework, focuses on skills needed for the changing world of work. Members must undertake four components and pass an assessment in ethical OSH practice.

We asked Kamil to tell us how he found the PDA process.

“My experience with the PDA route was highly positive and rewarding,” he says. “The IOSH team provided exceptional support throughout the entire process, from initial guidance to the final submission, which made the journey collaborative and seamless.” 

But what was it really like? Was it all very straightforward?

“The Blueprint portal, IOSH’s online platform, was user-friendly and intuitive, allowing me to navigate the requirements effectively. Although I initially needed time to familiarise myself with the portal, I quickly became comfortable using it as I progressed through the stages.”

Was it all plain sailing?

“A notable challenge I faced was the absence of specific types of evidence required to demonstrate my competencies in my current workplace,” says Kamil.

Kamil addressed this by gathering evidence from his involvement in voluntary projects with other organisations. These, he says, “… expanded my practical expertise and deepened my understanding of diverse workplace health and safety challenges.”

“The PDA process, though demanding, was highly rewarding and reinforced my dedication to achieving excellence in occupational health and safety.”

He strongly encourages members to pursue this opportunity to become a Chartered Member. “It is a highly rewarding achievement that not only enhances your professional credibility but also unlocks doors to greater career opportunities and the chance to make a more significant impact.”

What next for Kamil?

Kamil does not want to just stand still. “My career ambitions focus on becoming a leader in health, safety and environment. I aim to expand my consultancy and training services through my company, while contributing to the development of national HSE policies.

“In the long term, I plan to pursue IOSH Fellowship Chartered status, further enhancing my expertise and influence in the field. I am committed to making a lasting impact on workplace health and safety.”