Stand out amongst the crowd
Becoming a Chartered Resources and Waste Manager demonstrates you are a leader in the sector. During the application process, you’ll be peer assessed against a set of competencies that are recognised as being essential to effective and sustainable resources and waste management.
To help you achieve success, we recommend joining CIWM as an Affiliate member, giving you access to our host of benefits to support your journey to becoming a Chartered member.
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Chartered
Criteria
To apply for Chartered membership of CIWM, you ideally need to have 4 years experience in the sector and a degree or 5 years without a degree. Other routes are available for Chartered membership. Please check the entry criteria below for all routes.
Fee
£221 per year
Spread the cost of your membership when you pay by Direct Debit:
For those who are applying to become Chartered members of CIWM, there is an interview fee of £125 which is payable once you have been approved for interview.
Benefits
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Entry Criteria
To apply for Chartered membership, you need to meet the qualification and experience requirements for one of the five routes below.
A
B
C
D
E
CIWM accredited degree level or higher qualification
Other relevant degree level of higher qualification
Chartered member of another relevant professional body
Relevant non-degree level qualification, E.g. CIWM (WAMITAB)
Significant experience in a relevant field
3 years (post undergraduate degree qualification)
4 years (post undergraduate degree qualification)
2 years
5 years
In your initial application, and during your Professional Interview, you’ll be expected to demonstrate that you meet the Chartered competences outlined below.
Free CIWM Upgrade Workshops
We run regular online workshops where you can learn more about the benefits of Chartered membership and how to apply. These workshops are free to attend and provide the perfect opportunity for you to gain insight into the process, hear from an experienced interview panellist and gather top tips from members who have recently achieved Chartered status.
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Chartered Competences
To become a Chartered Resource and Waste Manager, you must demonstrate that you meet the following seven competences:
More information about the competences required to achieve Chartered status are available in Annex 1 of the Guidance Notes.
Our Skills Matrix can help you focus on the right areas for your Continuing Professional Development, provide your mentor with areas you wish to improve and help you identify the right training and development for the next step on your journey towards Chartered membership. Download a PDF version of the Skills Matrix here or use our online interactive version here.
The Application Process
There are four steps to becoming a Chartered Resource and Waste Manager.
To apply for Chartered membership, you need to complete our online application form. You’ll be asked to provide details of your current role and a copy of your CV to show that you meet the entry criteria.
Your personal statement should explain how you meet the Chartered competences, using examples to illustrate how you have demonstrated them in practice. Download our Chartered competence template to get started. You can include supplementary material to support your personal statement.
As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit a log of the learning and development activities you’ve completed during the previous 24 months prior to your application. This demonstrates your commitment to continuing professional development (CPD), as our Chartered members commit to undertaking 30 hours of CPD activities each year.
You’ll be asked to provide contact details for two sponsors who know you well and who will be able to provide a statement confirming your suitability for Chartered membership. If possible, your sponsors should be Chartered Resource and Waste Managers themselves.
How applications are processed
Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be assessed to ensure you meet the entry criteria and Chartered competences. At this stage, you might be asked to provide additional information to support your application. If you meet the entry criteria and have successfully demonstrated that you meet the Chartered competences, you’ll be invited to attend an online Professional Interview which will consist of a presentation and professional discussion.
Your Professional Interview
If your application is successful, you’ll progress to the next phase of the assessment: the Professional Interview. The interview will take up to one hour and will consist of the following:
You’ll be notified of the panel’s decision within five business days and the outcome will be one of the following:
You’ve been successful in achieving Chartered status! You’ll receive a certificate confirming your achievement, along with a welcome pack to help you make the most of your Chartered membership.
If you're unsuccessful in your application, we'll help you identify the areas that need development. It's our job to help you reach your goals and we're here to support you fill the gaps in your knowledge and meet the seven competences.
Guidance Notes
Further information regarding the Chartered Resource & Waste Manager Standards, the application checklist, and CIWM’s Professional Conduct Regulations is available in our guidance notes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I had the opportunity to speak to professionals from the introductory session, boot camp, conversations with my sponsor and the interview. I came out of the whole process feeling empowered not only in the depth of my knowledge but also in the reassurance that I am now part of an organisation of professionals with a shared vision and goal.
Chartered Member MCIWM
Through a session with CIWM, I was able to link up with a mentor who I met with virtually and spent time discussing the latest legislation and policy changes in the waste sector – something I didn’t often do in work time. I also practised my presentation with my mentor, which helped make sure I was within the 10-minute limit. The actual interview part went much quicker than I’d anticipated, and through my sessions with my mentor, I found discussing varied topics interesting and relatively easy. I am so pleased to now be Chartered and recently used this in a job application to help demonstrate my knowledge and broad understanding of current issues in the waste and resources industry.
The best thing about the experience for me was witnessing the enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and supporting each other within CIWM. The process seemed quite daunting at first but CIWM offered workshops to help those applying understand what is expected, and I had a fantastic mentor who helped me with mock interviews to prepare me. When I first started the process I couldn’t understand why everyone was saying that I’d enjoy the interview but I actually did as it was exciting to discuss topical issues for the sector with really interesting and knowledgeable people. Becoming Chartered really opened doors for me in terms of developing my knowledge and understanding and meeting new like-minded people and I would highly recommend it.
Download our Guidance Notes
You can find full details of each element of the application process, including the entry criteria and Chartered competences, in our Application Guidance Notes.
Download Guidance Notes
Need more advice?
We’re here to help! You can contact us at any time to find out more about the application process, Chartered competences, and the benefits of Chartered membership.
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