Could You Become a CIEEM Fellow?
Written by Stuart Parks, CIEEM’s Head of Membership and Engagement, and John Box CEcol CEnv FCIEEM.
Fellowship (FCIEEM) is the highest grade of CIEEM membership, recognising professionals who have made a notable and lasting contribution to ecology and environmental management. Whether you’ve influenced policy, raised professional standards, led innovation or inspired others through your work, Fellowship could be the next step in your professional journey.
Could you become a CIEEM Fellow? Or do you know a colleague whose achievements deserve recognition through Fellowship?
I’m delighted to have been made a Fellow of CIEEM, looking back on my career it has not always been a straightforward path, there’s been the need to be resilient and adaptable, to think laterally and creatively.
Dr. Andrew Tharme FCIEEM
CIEEM is going from strength to strength as a professional institute and we have just celebrated reaching the milestone of having more than 10,000 members. The ecological and environmental management sector continues to grow, and those working as professionals, amateurs and volunteers in our sector are very well respected – and needed more than ever. CIEEM benefits from having highly respected members as Fellows. We currently have 90 Fellows and there have been 6 successful applications for Fellowship so far this calendar year.
What Does CIEEM Fellowship Recognise?
CIEEM Fellowship is not simply recognition of seniority or length of service. It is recognition by your peers that you have made, and continue to make, a meaningful contribution to ecological and environmental management.
For many Fellows, the recognition is also an opportunity to reflect on their professional journey and consider the legacy they want to leave for the profession and future generations of practitioners.
Citizen science in action – the annual orchid count on Lodge Field LNR organised by John Box FCIEEM. Photo credit: Graham Peet
Could you be eligible for CIEEM Fellowship?
You may wish to consider applying if you have:
- Influenced policy, legislation or professional practice
- Raised standards within ecology or environmental management
- Demonstrated leadership within the sector
- Applied research to solve real-world environmental challenges
- Introduced new approaches, techniques or partnerships
- Made a lasting contribution to biodiversity conservation or environmental management
- Inspired and supported others within the profession
My CIEEM Fellowship allowed me to acknowledge my own achievements for biodiversity, which in turn has given me a renewed sense of positivity and purpose in my own practice
Dr Rachel Hirst CEcol CEnv FCIEEM
How to apply for CIEEM Fellowship
In June, CIEEM’s Governing Board approved a few changes to the Fellowship application processes to make them clearer not only for applicants, but also for their sponsors or nominators. To make Fellowship more accessible, CIEEM has introduced updated application forms, refreshed guidance for applicants and sponsors, and improvements to the assessment process designed to make applications clearer and more efficient. We hope these changes will encourage more eligible members to consider applying.
If you’ve made a notable and lasting contribution to ecological and environmental management issues, then Fellowship could be for you. Becoming a CIEEM Fellow demonstrates your knowledge, skills and experience. Such highly respected people in our profession can inspire and enthuse others through their activities and leadership.
Know someone who deserves to become a Fellow?
Not everyone who deserves Fellowship will put themselves forward.
Applications can be made through self-nomination or peer nomination, meaning you can play an important role in recognising the achievements of colleagues, mentors and other members whose work has had a significant impact on the profession.
If someone immediately comes to mind while reading this article, why not start a conversation with them about Fellowship?
Help us reach 100 Fellows
Whether you’re considering applying yourself or nominating a colleague, now is the perfect time to take the next step.
Help us reach 100 Fellows and celebrate the outstanding people who are shaping the future of ecology and environmental management. Find out more about CIEEM Fellowship and how to apply here.
Information about the authors
John Box CEcol CEnv FCIEEM is a past President and chairs the working groups for both Action 2030 and Rebuilding Nature. Contact John at john.box@knowlebox.co.uk
Stuart Parks MCIM is CIEEM’s Head of Membership and Engagement. Contact Stuart at stuartparks@cieem.net