New route makes good Fellows

The new route to Fellowship sees applicants provide evidence of their excellence in practice and contribution through an online portfolio on Blueprint.

Richard, who runs an events-focused consultancy and is an IOSH Vice-President, reflected on his journey through the membership grades.

"It took me a while to get started because of my work commitments, but also because I feel that the competency test for our profession is to achieve CMIOSH," he said.

"It is an affirmation of the time I have contributed to the profession and the work I have done in my area of professional expertise. "

"You likely already have some great supporting evidence within your CPD; look back through your CPD submissions and consider if these will support your Fellowship application," added Richard.

"Use the resources IOSH makes available, including mentoring, and this is really important - also, consider joining informal support groups run by Fellows, who are an incredible source of knowledge, information, and support.

"Your application is about you, your contribution to OSH and not necessarily about what you do for IOSH. At least 50 per cent of my submitted evidence related to my volunteer work with other organisations, opinion pieces I wrote for magazines and blogs, speaking at conferences, and participating in podcasts.

"Remember, it’s about you, who you are, your passion, your contributions - your OSH journey."