CIWEM Accreditation Board applications open

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is a leading Chartered professional body and registered charity with an integrated approach to environmental, social and cultural issues, working for the public benefit of a safer, sustainable world supporting over 10,000 members in 90 countries.

As an independent charity we champion professional standards, impartiality and the use of scientific evidence in the management of the environment. We champion:

• Highly qualified water and environmental managers, engineers and scientists who are recognised globally for their professional expertise and conduct.
• Protection of the public from pollution, environmental destruction and natural hazards through the promotion and sharing of best practice.
• Application of scientific and engineering rigour and impartiality to plans and policies ensuring the best outcomes for society, both now and in the future.

The role

We are seeking applications to fill vacancies on CIWEM’s Accreditation Board with high calibre people who will be able to contribute to the education excellence of CIWEM’s accreditation programmes and schemes. This includes a vacancy for the role of Chair.

The Accreditation Board oversees the procedure by which the Institution carries out our accreditation processes.

As a serving committee member you will have the opportunity to directly enhance the standards of education and professional development related to the water and environment sector both within the UK and internationally, ensuring that CIWEM’s accreditation schemes are actively championed throughout academia and industry, and current best accreditation procedure is being adhered to.

Scientists, engineers and environmentalists contribute significantly to sustainable management and future well-being of this world, and joining the Accreditation Board means you are supporting future generations and helping CIWEM to build a global community of professionals who are dedicated to working for the public benefit.

Membership of this committee makes a clear statement to your peers that you personally exhibit and uphold excellence in professional standards. You will gain experience from participating in a committee and governance environment, which will elevate your professional work and standing.

In particular, CIWEM wishes to recruit three Board members from the following areas of expertise:

• An individual with experience in learning and development and also knowledgeable about apprentice and professional development schemes. This would suit a senior person from Ofwat, Defra, Environment Agency, SEPA, NRW, Drinking Water Inspectorate, Natural England, DAERA, MMO, Marine Scotland or a Regulation Specialist from one of the Water Companies.
• An individual from academia who can efficiently champion the academic accreditation scheme throughout higher education institutions in the UK and internationally.
• A senior member of CIWEM who has knowledge and a background in academia. This individual may also wish to be considered for the post of Chair of the Accreditation Board.

A fundamental principle of CIWEM’s culture is that we are accessible to all candidates. We are looking for a diverse range of driven candidates, who will bring a wide range of skills, thinking and perspectives to the Board. CIWEM has declared a climate and ecological emergency and as such we are committed to creating climate and ecological champions of our members, stakeholders and the public, inspiring urgent action to tackle this shared crisis.

Accreditation Board members serve on a voluntary basis but are reimbursed out of pocket expenses for attending meetings and for undertaking certain activities on behalf of the Institution.

The qualities required for the role

• A passion for the quality assurance of higher education and professional development.
• The desire and determination to help the growth of CIWEM’s Accreditation Schemes and increase the number of Accredited activities.

About you

• You must be a Chartered Member (C.WEM) of CIWEM.
• Be willing to serve for a period of 3 years, up to a maximum of 6 years.
• Be an ambassador for CIWEM to champion our work and membership.

• An awareness of university course accreditation and higher education.
• Contribute to the decisions of CIWEM regarding accreditation protocol, making the schemes more attractive to both Universities and their students as well as businesses and their employees.
• Engage actively with members of CIWEM and support the Chief Executive and the executive team

• Be willing to commit typically 1 day per month, including attendance at 3 Accreditation Board meetings each year (attendance via video conference).

Appointment process

• Any active Chartered Member of CIWEM may apply.
• Applications will be assessed and short-listed with the support of an independent advisor.
• Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by a selection panel, interviews are expected to take place week commencing 14 September 2020, final dates to be confirmed.

How to apply

To apply please send the following to joseph.wilson@ciwem.org.

1. Your Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages).

2. A covering letter explaining why you want to become a member of the Accreditation Board, please specify if you would like to be considered for the role of Chair.

The closing date for applications is midday on Friday 28 August 2020. Applications received after the closing date will not normally be considered.