The Chartership Bulletin: Spring 2025
Beginning the Chartership journey
Unsure where to start? First, decide which type of Chartership to apply for. The Geological Society offers Fellows the options of:
- Chartered Geologist (CGeol): generally for Fellows who have a master’s degree (or equivalent career experience) in geology or a related subject and are practising professional geoscientists.
- Chartered Scientist (CSci): generally for Fellows whose original academic background was outside of geoscience.
There are three key steps to start your Chartership application:
- Find a Supporter who ideally has the Chartered status you are applying for and who has worked closely with you for at least three years. Their statement is a valuable part of the application, so it is important to engage with them early in the process. A separate mentor can share knowledge, experience, and advice as you work towards Chartership.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a requirement for Chartered Fellows. CPD demonstrates a commitment to maintaining and developing technical and professional competence. You must include at least three years’ worth of CPD records when applying for Chartership, showing a Plan-Act-Reflect approach. CPD templates are available on the Society’s website.
- Supporting Documents (SDs). Select up to six SDs that provide key evidence to demonstrate how you meet the Chartership competency criteria. SDs should be selected according to Society guidance and are now also required for candidates with 20+ years’ professional experience.
Begin your application online, where you can access guidance and downloadable templates. You can save your progress and work offline – just return to the portal every 30 days to keep it active.
Ready to take the next step? Visit the Chartership section of the Society website for comprehensive information on the application process, including frequently asked questions, testimonials and announcements of newly Chartered Fellows.
Chartership gives you international recognition. As more geologists become Chartered, this will raise the bar for excellence
Gabriella Manning CGeol, Senior Engineering Geologist, AtkinsRéalis
Other valuable resources
- Society Regional Groups – a great place to seek out a mentor or Supporter for your application as well as opportunities for CPD through their events.
- Early Career Network – alongside other early careers’ groups within the Society’s Specialist Groups, this network provides support for those in the first ten years of their geoscience careers and hosts Chartership talks from recently Chartered Fellows.
- The Geological Society’s LinkedIn Mentors Group – a huge community of Chartered Fellows, including Assessors, who you can contact if you need a mentor or Supporter.
- Regular Chartership Q&A events – available via the Chartership section of the Society’s website.
Organisation advice
If your organisation is interested in learning more about Chartership, the Society offers complimentary talks for staff. These sessions cover the pathway to becoming Chartered and opportunities to engage as a Supporter or Chartership Assessor.
To find out more or arrange a talk, please contact our Chartership Officer (eleanor.williams@geolsoc.org.uk)
