Accreditation for Ecological Clerks of Works
The launch of a dedicated accreditation scheme for CIEEM members in Winter 2025 marks a significant step in professionalising this important role and addressing long-standing inconsistencies in standards and practice.
Developed in response to sector-wide calls for clarity and competence, the scheme aims to support both individuals working in Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) roles and the employers who rely on them to manage ecological risks on construction sites. Accreditation aims to raise professional standards, strengthen the identity of the ECoW role and provide clients and regulators with greater confidence
Background
The construction and infrastructure sectors are evolving rapidly, with growing expectations on professionals to deliver environmentally responsible projects. Against this backdrop, the ECoW role has become increasingly central to the successful implementation of mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures on site. Until now, however, there has been no formal way to recognise the specific knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required of an effective ECoW.
Environmental regulation and planning policy impose obligations on developers and contractors to protect and enhance biodiversity through their work on construction sites. Out of these obligations comes the need for a professional that can work on site with construction contractors to:
- Advise on protecting valued biodiversity features on construction sites.
- Provide practical, site-specific and proportionate assistance on how their clients can achieve compliance with environmental legislation.
- Avoid unexpected costs, delays to project timetables, or adverse publicity that may have future negative commercial implications; and ultimately risk of enforcement action and/or potential prosecution.
- Manage ecological operatives engaged in ecological mitigation activities – such as undertaking ecological watching briefs and translocation of protected species.
A competent ECoW can effectively oversee the management of the risks on construction sites associated with managing biodiversity and can help to ensure a smooth and cost-efficient construction process. Conversely an incompetent ECoW can inadvertently cause costly delays, frustration and exposure to risk of prosecution.
Why accreditation and why now?
Appropriately trained and qualified ECoWs are an essential part of the development process. Foreseeable increases in infrastructure development in the UK and Ireland are going to create a significant skills need for sufficient capable and competent ECoWs in the near future. At the same time, there is a need to raise the profile of the role, its valuable contribution to the successful construction process and respect for the people who perform it.
The case for accreditation is clear. Recent market testing undertaken by CIEEM found that 88% of employers surveyed currently employ or expect to employ ECoWs, and 62% said they would be more likely to recruit or specify accredited individuals. There is growing recognition – particularly among clients, planning authorities and consenting bodies – that the quality of ecological oversight during construction directly affects project outcomes, compliance and reputational risk.
Today’s projects demand more from ecologists. ECoWs are increasingly required to interpret complex ecological requirements, advise contractors, monitor compliance, adapt mitigation measures in real time and communicate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams. These responsibilities call for a unique mix of ecological understanding, construction awareness and communication skills. Despite its importance, the ECoW role is inconsistently defined. It is sometimes assigned to junior or unsupported staff with variable knowledge of legislation, site protocols or construction processes.
Employers identified two top priorities for ECoW competence:
1. Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation while minimising project delays
2. Communicating ecological risks and requirements clearly within site teams
These are the areas that accreditation will assess – ensuring ECoWs are not only technically skilled but also confident and capable communicators. The new scheme offers a consistent, transparent and professionally recognised framework for evaluating ECoW competence. It draws on pilot testing and extensive consultation with employers, practitioners and regulators, building a strong case for action.
Key features of the accreditation scheme
Key features of the scheme have been informed both by a pilot testing phase and by the results of market testing. Accreditation is delivered through a three-stage assessment process. Candidates enrol via CIEEM’s virtual learning environment, where they access guidance materials including a new ECoW Handbook, competency descriptors and formative self-assessment tools. They then build a portfolio of evidence mapped to ECoW competencies and complete two online assessments:
1. Scenario-based multiple-choice questions
2. A final interview with trained assessors
The process assesses not only technical ecological skills, but also health and safety awareness, site experience and communication skills. Recognising the diversity of ECoW career journeys, a higher-level accreditation is available for those working at a Principal ECoW level, and both freelancers and consultancy-based professionals are eligible to apply. The scheme is designed for real-world use. Accreditation is based on demonstration of competence – not completion of training – allowing experienced professionals to gain recognition for the work they already do. At the same time, it offers a clear development route for those newer to the role, allowing them to plan and record their continuing professional development against well-defined competencies.
To support the rollout of the new ECoW Accreditation Scheme, CIEEM has developed three bespoke one-day training courses. While not compulsory for those seeking accreditation, these courses have been designed to cover key skills and knowledge essential for the ECoW role. The three courses focus on Construction, Risk Management on Site and Advanced Communication. Further details and booking information can be found on the Training page of the
CIEEM website.
Interested?
The ECoW accreditation scheme will launch late in 2025, initially for CIEEM members only, and the pre-enrolment window is now open to allow early adopters to register in advance. Please use the form below to express interest in the accreditation scheme and we will contact you with further information.
Expression of interest in ECoW accreditation
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