Meet two of CIWEM's volunteer assessors

CIWEM assessors play a vital role in the application process, ensuring CIWEM’s high professional standards are maintained throughout the assessment process. Assessors ensure all MCIWEM and MCIWEM C.WEM candidates receive a consistent standard across applications and provide constructive feedback on their submissions.

We speak to two of CIWEM's volunteer assessors to find out why they became an assessor, how they can balance the role with their day-to-day job and the skills they have developed along the way.

Meet Ella Moseley MCIWEM C.WEM CEnv, associate director of ecology at LUC (Land Use Consultants)

Experience as a CIWEM assessor

Two years

Why did you decide to become an assessor?

To improve my ability to review, analyse and provide constructive criticism and feedback and to ensure the high professional standards of CIWEM are maintained whist bringing a different perspective to the assessment process as an ecologist.

How are you able to balance work and being an assessor?

This a flexible role that allows me to pick up applications during quieter periods and when I have availability, meaning that it possible for me to undertake reviews after work or during working hours by using 'volunteer' time permitted by my employer.

What is the best thing about being an assessor?

Seeing the diversity of applications made to CIWEM and offering my perspective on the application process, including ensuring that applicants have a broad appreciation of the water and environment sector.

What skills have you developed being an assessor?

My ability to critically analyse and assess professional standards has improved immensely as well as my confidence to provide feedback in a constructive manner.

Would you recommend becoming an assessor?

Definitely! It's a great way to get to know CIWEM members and share thoughts and ideas regarding the sector and professional standards. It's also great to be involved in supporting others in their journey to professional registration.

Meet Tracey Dunford MCIWEM C.WEM CEnv CSci, lead specialist planner for water resources at Natural Resources Wales

Years of experience as a CIWEM assessor

Four years

Why did you decide to become an assessor?

I felt that it was natural progression within CIWEM as I was (and still am) involved within the local branch and water resources panel activities. I thought it would be beneficial to become an assessor as it enables me to provide insight for any colleagues who are looking to apply, on the process and requirements, via our accredited workplace scheme.

How are you able to balance work and being an assessor?

I carry out the specific duties linked to the assessor role within my own time outside of work. It is important to note that my workplace is a full supporter of my professional membership and mentoring others within the organisation is actively encouraged – however I carry out the assessor role within my own time.

What is the best thing about being an assessor?

It has helped me to build my confidence and understanding of what is required of each specific mandatory competency, which means I can give advice to my colleagues within work when they are applying for membership or chartership. I also enjoy learning about the different experiences of those applying.

What skills have you developed being an assessor?

I have developed my skills assessing applications and learning to be fair and unbiased.

Would you recommend becoming an assessor?

Of course – it is very rewarding.

Want to become a CIWEM assessor? Applications are open to all active Chartered Member of CIWEM. Find out more about becoming a CIWEM assessor here.