IOSH changes grade structure to 'future-proof' profession

The changes are aimed at ensuring IOSH membership is the “gold standard” of the profession and are the culmination of a thorough process which has involved IOSH consulting widely with its members, other professional bodies, recruiters, and global organisations. 

The new structure provides its members with a clear pathway from the beginning of their career to progress to the higher levels of chartered member and chartered fellow. It is also designed to make it much clearer to businesses and recruiters to know what each level of membership means. 

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. 

Nicole Rinaldi, IOSH’s director of professional services said, “This new structure is being implemented in response to the changing world of work and to ensure IOSH is the gold standard for health and safety professionals around the world.

“The profession needs to respond to these changes and be able to adapt to future challenges. To be able to do so, professionals must be equipped and be fully competent to be in a position to lead the way as businesses navigate through these changes and challenges. 

“Our message to OSH professionals is that if you want to get ahead in your career, then IOSH membership is the path to follow. We have consulted widely during this process, including with recruiters and employers, and we know that they place significant value on IOSH membership.”

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 formal qualifications.

More information on IOSH’s member grades can be found at iosh.com/member-grades