Chartered bodies call for greater recognition of professional standard

CIAT and other professional bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals has written to the UK Government to encourage stronger recognition of Chartered and professionally registered status across key sectors, stating that this can contribute to public confidence and economic development.

In an open letter to Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Chartered Week Alliance, a coalition of over 40 Chartered and professional organisations, invites ministers to consider promoting professional registration and Chartered status more widely, including within the civil service.

The Alliance sets out its view that Chartered bodies can support national priorities by promoting professional standards, encouraging access to careers, supporting ethical practice and contributing to confidence in public and business services.

The open letter has been issued ahead of the second annual Chartered Week (23-27 February), which highlights the role of professional standards in accountability and economic performance.

It notes that closer collaboration between government and Chartered or professional bodies across disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, environment and procurement, could support the long-term credibility of public policy. The Alliance also states that membership of a professional body involves adherence to codes of conduct and ethical standards, which it considers increasingly relevant in the context of emerging technologies such as AI.

CIAT recognises the importance of professional standards, competence and ethical practice in supporting public confidence across the built environment.

Chartered bodies can help rebuild trust in public services

Over 40 Chartered and other professional bodies have signed an open letter to government offering their support as key partners in building trust in the public and business services we all depend on.

We are asking government to take a lead in expecting and promoting registration and Chartered status for all professionals in the vital sectors represented here, including in the civil service.

Here is the open letter in pdf and text extract below:

“Dear Secretary of State (The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP)

Chartered bodies can help rebuild trust in public services

Chartered and professional bodies should be key partners of government as it builds trust in the public and business services we all depend on.

Our Chartered Alliance of over 40 organisations represents a combined membership of over 1.5 million people. That makes us a powerful ally in growing confidence across professions that are crucial to national growth and renewal.

Partnering with us in areas as diverse as science, technology, engineering and maths, the environment, law, accountancy, leadership and management, projects, payroll, and procurement, will ensure public policy has long-term credibility.

We have unique strengths in our membership communities and in our responsibility to be the voice of our professions, often supported by Royal Charters.

We drive revenue into the economy, by ensuring we have highly skilled workforces across critical sectors, rooted in professional registration and practice.

We create broad and accessible routes to professional careers, while keeping standards high, providing competitive advantage for the UK around the world.

Our members make clear ethical commitments as part of our Codes of Conduct, and support professionals’ freedom and safety to raise concerns, regardless of discipline.

Active membership of a professional body is a pledge of public accountability, which is critical in the AI age.

That is why we are asking government to take a lead in expecting and promoting registration and Chartered status for all professionals in the vital sectors represented here, including in the civil service.

We would be delighted to explore this further with you and welcome your support for the second Chartered Week campaign taking place 23-27 February 2026.”

This letter was sent by the Chartered Week Alliance on behalf of over 40 signatories. Full letter here.

This article appears on the CIAT news and blog site as "Chartered bodies call for greater recognition of professional standards" dated 23 February, 2026.

--CIAT

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