The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has joined a coalition of more than 40 professional and chartered organisations calling on the UK Government to strengthen its support for chartership and professional accreditation, positioning it as a key lever for economic growth and public trust.
In an open letter addressed to Pat McFadden, the coalition – representing over 1.5 million professionals – argues that greater recognition and backing for chartered status is essential to rebuilding confidence in industry while supporting the UK’s long-term industrial strategy.
Chartership as a driver of standards and growth
The group states that professional institutions play a critical role in underpinning industrial activity, particularly across science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sectors. By setting rigorous standards, promoting ethical practice and widening access to professional careers, they argue, chartered bodies help ensure businesses operate responsibly and effectively.
Chartership, they add, serves not only as a benchmark of technical competence but also as a signal of accountability and professionalism, helping to strengthen trust between industry, government and the public.
Recognition of professional excellence
For individuals, achieving chartered status is seen as a mark of distinction, reflecting both expertise and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Ahsan Zafar, a member of IChemE, said chartership recognises the level of responsibility carried by engineers working on complex, high-impact projects.
He said: “Being chartered is recognition that I operate at a level where engineering decisions carry real consequence… Chartership formalises that journey.”
Zafar added that the designation also reflects the resilience required to balance leadership, commercial pressures and continuous development, particularly in roles where decisions directly affect safety, cost and long-term performance.
“It signifies that I’m trusted to make those decisions competently, ethically, and with sound engineering judgement,” he said.
Call for stronger government support
The coalition is urging government to place greater emphasis on professional registration and accreditation within policy and workforce development strategies, arguing that this will help unlock skills, support career progression and reinforce high standards across industry.
With growing demand for skilled professionals across key sectors, the group believes that strengthening the role of chartership could play an important part in delivering sustainable economic growth while rebuilding trust in UK businesses.
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