Spotlight on Volunteers: Upholding Professional Standards

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Volunteers play an essential role in upholding and advancing professional standards across the ecology and environmental management sector. At CIEEM, these contributions span a wide range of activities from shaping best practice guidance to facilitating networking events and supporting the next generation of professionals.

Here are just a few of the ways volunteers contribute to Professional Standards at CIEEM:

  • Awards Judges: help recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of ecologists and environmental managers across the UK and Ireland, by reviewing nominations for the annual CIEEM Awards
  • Professional Standards volunteers: write, develop and publish guidance documents and resources for CIEEM Members to use in their day-to-day practice
  • Member Networks volunteers: organise online and in-person events to bring CIEEM Members together, and promote sharing of best practice within the sector
  • CIEEM Degree Accreditation Assessors: review university courses for compliance with industry standards in ecology and environmental management, to help ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the profession

While these roles are often visible to members, this blog shines a light on another crucial – and often less visible – aspect of Professional Standards volunteering at CIEEM: the work of those who review and assess alleged breaches of professional conduct within the organisation and the wider profession. The committees outlined below directly contribute to maintaining the highest professional standards across the sector by ensuring fairness and accountability.

Preliminary Investigations Pool (PIP)

The Preliminary Investigations Pool (PIP) plays a key role in ensuring complaints are considered in a fair, transparent, and consistent way. Working collaboratively, panel members review concerns raised about members and decide whether a case should proceed to further investigation, in line with CIEEM’s Professional Conduct Inquiry Procedures.

In short: PIP operates at the initial stage of the complaints investigation – reviewing complaints when they are first received and deciding whether they should proceed further.

Professional Conduct Panel (PCP)

The Professional Conduct Panel (PCP) carefully considers cases involving alleged breaches of conduct, making fair and balanced decisions. Through its work, the panel promotes accountability and integrity in how concerns about members’ behaviour are addressed, in line with CIEEM’s Code of Professional Conduct and Professional Conduct Inquiry Procedures.

In short: PCP operates at the final stage of the complaints investigation – considering cases that have already progressed and require formal decision-making.

Professional Standards Committee (PSC)

Both PIP and PCP are overseen by the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) – a standing committee of the Governing Board. The PSC provides oversight of the Code of Professional Conduct, Disciplinary Regulations and Complaints Procedure, as well as looking at the bigger picture by identifying trends, or identifying activities to promote good practice standards.

In short: PSC operates at an overarching level of the complaints investigation process – providing oversight of standards, procedures, and trends to ensure the system remains fair, effective, and fit for purpose.

What do volunteers enjoy about their roles?

I’ve found being part of the Preliminary Investigation Pool to be extremely interesting and rewarding. The role provides a valuable personal opportunity for professional reflection, while supporting the work of the Institute to maximise professional standards and maintain the public confidence needed to influence wider policy. With great training and a modest time commitment, it’s a brilliant, impactful way to give back to CIEEM.

– PIP Member, 2026

I’ve been volunteering with CIEEM for several years, first through the Membership Admissions Committee and now through Professional Standards Committee.  I really enjoy working with a diverse range of people across the sector, which I have found beneficial both professionally and personally.  It’s always wonderful to hear a range of perspectives as we strive to further our work in the industry.

-PSC Member, 2026

We are incredibly grateful for the time, expertise and professional insight that our volunteers bring to CIEEM and the wider sector. Their dedication plays a vital role in ensuring the profession remains robust, trusted and accountable – we couldn’t do it without them!

Are you passionate about upholding high professional standards within the sector?

We’re currently looking for CIEEM members who want to play an active role in supporting fair and transparent processes that protect and strengthen our profession.

If you are a Full or Fellow Member of CIEEM with an interest in maintaining professional standards within the sector, we’d encourage you to consider joining PIP or PCP. More information, including role profiles and the online application form can be found in the MyCIEEM area here. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 17th June.