“Having the professional qualification of Chartered Scientist provides me with independent, professional evidence to those using my professional services that I am competent to do this.”

– Professor Keith Goulding

“I had a sense that Chartership was a way of acknowledging quality and a commitment to continued learning in a more general way than having a PhD. I felt that this would be a useful addition to my professional profile that would imply a sense of confidence in me for people that did not already know me.”

– Dr James Garrett

“Working in the criminal and civil law sector as a forensic soil scientist, it was important that I had achieved chartered status to provide independent evidence of regular assessment for suitability in terms of my professional expertise, experience and continual professional development. The annual external review that is carried out provides that customer assurance.”

– Professor Lorna Dawson

“I have been a Chartered Scientist for 5 years. The key benefit comes from the recognition that Chartered status has in industry. This has helped me relate to other professionals as well as providing confidence in my ability and experience to clients and potential customers.”

– Dr Becky Wheeler

“As a practising consultant soil scientist it is important that my competency is scrutinised and accredited by an independent authority which is recognised by my peers, clients and authorities. Accreditation has given confidence to those relying on my appointment and judgement.”

– Dr Neil Humphries

“Being a Chartered Scientist and submitting Continual Professional Development (CPD) returns challenges me to keep up-to-date with current research and its application and to regularly assess my competence against professional standards. It enables me to continue to prove my ability to deliver cutting-edge, professional research information and advice and so market my services.”

– Professor Keith Goulding

“Chartered status is particularly relevant to any soil scientist undertaking consultancy work and I would recommend the qualification to any BSSS member working as a consultant.”

– Malcolm Reeve

“Encourage your employer to allow you to attend CPD events. This will benefit you as an individual, but it will benefit your employer too – as you will become a more accomplished/well-rounded expert, which will greatly improve the image, and hence help promote, the business or organisation you are working for.”

– Rob Askew

“The acquisition of chartered status as evidence of individual professional standing and the discipline this requires in continuing to develop professionally through the CPD requirement should be seen as part and parcel of our collective effort to enhance the professional standing of our branch of science.”

– Dick Thompson

“I would consider the many benefits of the chartered status, which provides an independent assessment annually of your credibility to work as a true professional soil scientist, providing the confidence to your external clients of your background and relevant experience and expertise. It’s worth the time that is required every year for review your outputs and impacts to update what has been achieved, as a continual assurance of your work and professional status.”

– Professor Lorna Dawson

“Often when we start in our careers especially these days we are unsure of our direction of travel. Chartered status not only demonstrates our achievements in our own field but demonstrates a wealth of transferable skills to other less obvious areas. Secondly in an increasingly competitive market when we are in competition with other professions such as engineers we are equally up to satisfying the needs of the customer.”

– Clive Rahn