Membership Grade Review
If you missed it in AT Journal, take a look at the work that has been going on behind the scenes for the Membership Grade Review.
"The Review is essential for the future development of the Institute, discipline, profession and members" is how Professor Sam Allwinkle PPBIAT MCIAT describes the work going on behind the scenes for the Membership Grade Review.
"It is an exciting project for the whole membership which aligns with our Strategic and Corporate Plans", continues Sam, co-Chair of the Review Group. "There are opportunities for all Architectural Technology professionals to achieve and enhance themselves further in the discipline and in the Institute's membership structure."
So, what is the Membership Grade Review? It has been a year-long project reviewing all grades of membership. It is a direct result of the Institue's growth and continued success, and consequently to prepare for future challenges and development, ongoing growth, and expansion of the discipline and profession within the UK and globally.
Chief Executive, Francesca Berriman MBE explains further, "The Executive Board and Council approved the Terms of Reference for a holistic review of the membership grades, structure and qualifying mechanisms. This will lead to a strengthened membership for the Institute and increase our influence and stature further."
Following a presentation at the 2018 AGM, Professor Allwinkle and Paul Laycock MCIAT, Vice-President Education, led the Grade Review which has involved hours of research, consultation with a cross section of the membership and several working groups including Region, Centre and aspirATion Groups. This work has now been approved by the Executive Board and Council and will be presented as Resolutions at the AGM this year in Glasgow.
The proposal
"Future proofing the Institute in its sixth decade is vital", says Paul Laycock. "The enthusiasm and excitement arising out of what we have discussed, analysed and developed is infectious and we think that the membership will be excited by it also."
"There are a lot of arrows!" muses Paul, "so we broke down each grade, their purpose and method of attainment and thought outside the box. I hope my fellow members will agree that what we are proposing has streamlined and expanded the opportunities for everybody in the discipline and for those who want to be a part of CIAT."
Professor Allwinkle explains further: "We feel the time is right for the introduction of a Fellow grade. This allows further recognition for Chartered Members for their excellence and/or for their significant contribution to the advancement of the discipline, profession or practice of Architectural Technology. This complements the Chartered Architectural Technologist qualification and is an aspirational achievement for Members to demonstrate their skills, roles and functions further." This is not to be confused with the Gold Award, which recognises outstanding service made by a Chartered Member to the Institute.
The proposal is to remove the Technician grade, TCIAT, and the profile candidate. "This is a progressive step for the Institute", says Paul. "The Affiliate will be the natural home for those who are currently profile candidates and to engage those in the sector who want to support and/or have an interest in CIAT. This gives credibility and those profile candidates will undertake the same qualifying process as before to attain Chartered Membership and beyond."
Paul continues, "The decision to remove the Technician grade is a positive one also. We recognise the Architectural Technician job role and terminology, however, the focus for the Institute must be for its members to achieve Chartered Architectural Technologist status with the recognition, value and impact that it has for all members, the Institute and all stakeholders involved in the built environment. Interestingly, the Review identified that the Associate grade has a greater profile, with many Architectural Technicians making this their preferred grade of membership."
Paul would like to reassure those currently qualified as or working towards Technician membership.
"There will be a phase out timetable and support which should enable you to progress to Chartered Membership in a streamlined manner."
"Part of the Review includes the proposal to enhance and update the Honorary grade to Honorary Fellow", confirms Professor Allwinkle. "This will be for distinguished individuals with either pre-eminence in their field, a significant contribution to the profession, and/or an ongoing relationship with the profession."
"I very much hope you will agree that these proposals are an exciting development and enhances the Institute's profile, stature and influence", enthuses Francesca. "They will be presented at the Region, Centre and aspirATion Summit in June and then formally submitted to your Executive Board and Council for approval. We invite your support for these changes when they are presented as Resolutions for the AGM this year – please engage with us if you have any comments, views, opinions or observations."
You are encouraged to get in touch by either:
- Contacting your Regional/Centre Committee or aspirATion Group (details available upon request from [email protected])
- Contacting James Banks, Membership Director – [email protected]
