Upgrading your membership to become an Associate or a Fellow is easier than you might think and could unlock the next step in your career
It is time evolve your status as a governance professional and take your membership to next level.
Chartered status shows you are at the forefront of your profession and signifies a high level of commitment to professional standards in governance. Chartered status can lead to career progression and it gives you the stamp of professionalism after your name. It is a designation that is widely recognised by employers and peers, so it can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. The Chartered designation means you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be an effective and efficient governance professional. The Charter also indicates that you have a genuine commitment to the profession, which is an asset to any employer.
Membership benefits
- Globally recognised designatory letters
- Discounted prices for conferences and training courses
- Access to technical briefings and guidance notes
- Competency framework and assessment tool
- Subscription to Governance and Compliance magazine
- Be a part of a local branch
- Benefit from our work advising government, regulators
- and key influencers
- Contribute to research and insight projects sustaining the profession
- Join the global e-community
- Support from our members’ benevolent fund
Path to becoming a Chartered governance professional
Your journey does not end when you obtain graduate (GradCG) status. Once you have acquired sufficient governance experience, you can upgrade your membership. It is easier than you might think so don’t hesitate to send us your application!
ACG application checklist
- Completed application form.
- Recommendations from two referees who will need to provide supporting signatures on the application form.
- Current CV tailored to your governance experience with full details of duties, responsibilities and any gaps in your employment history alongside details of education from leaving school to date, if applicable.
- Certified statement of responsibilities (list of job roles).
FCG application checklist
- Completed application form.
- Recommendations from two referees who will need to provide supporting signatures on the application form.
- Certified company hierarchy chart showing your position in relation to the board/company.
- Current CV tailored to your senior governance experience with full details of duties, responsibilities and any gaps in your employment history alongside details of education from leaving school to date, if applicable.
- Certified statement of responsibilities (list of job roles).
- Link to your company’s most recent annual report.
How to apply
Check eligibility for associateship: in addition to GradCG status, you have six years of governance experience or three years supported by approved further education – a recognised UK degree or international equivalent.
Check eligibility for Fellowship: in addition to GradCG status, you have eight years of senior governance experience, or five years supported by approved further education. You have been in a senior governance position for at least three of the past ten years.
Use our competency framework assessment tool to help assess your eligibility to apply for associateship or Fellowship and distinguish your level of expertise in governance.
When you are ready to apply, download the guidance note and the application form from our website.
Send all documents and supporting evidence to the membership journey team.
Once your application has been approved by the board, we will ask you to make the upgrade payment. The upgrade fee to associateship is only £160 or £295 to Fellowship, and might be even less for those applying from countries where we offer reduced rates: www.cgi.org.uk/join-us/chartered-membership/reduced-rate-countries
We normally expect that upgrade applications will be approved within around two months from when we receive them.
Five tips for becoming Chartered
- Choose the right path. There are many governance professional paths to choose from. Consider which path is right for you based on your skills, interests and goals.
- Get the right training and education. Proper training and education are essential for success as a governance professional. Be sure to research and choose a program that fits your needs and goals.
- Start networking. Governance professionals need to network to be successful. Attend events, join professional organisations and get involved in your community.
- Get experience. Experience is critical for success as a governance professional. Be sure to get relevant experience that aligns with our competency framework.
- Stay current. Governance professionals need to stay up to date with trends and developments in the field. Attend conferences, read industry publications and take advantage of online resources.
Have any questions?
For a consultation with one of our membership advisors, please call our contact centre on +44(0) 20 7580 4741.
If you’re thinking about upgrading, why not attend the East of England Branch’s webinar to hear about the process and benefits of upgrading from Graduate to Associate and Associate to Fellow.
This session will cover the application process, the evidence required and the opportunity in smaller groups to do some networking and hear from others who have gone through the process.
Hear from our members who have already upgraded
On graduating from university, I was surprised to discover that Chartered Governance Professional was a possible outcome of the administration stream I had chosen. After training, I took my exams. Applying for ACG was simple enough – I already had enough administrative and management experience to qualify for associateship at the same time as I received my GradCG. I had to wait to get my FCG until I had worked for a suitably large company and obtained much more experience. The application was similar to the one for ACG; I simply added my later employers to my history. Being Chartered is seen as a professional status with substance; FCG carries a lot of weight with employers and has opened a variety of positions to me. It was very much a worthwhile exercise applying for it and I am proud to be a Fellow!'
- Lucinda Nicholas FCG
'I decided to become Chartered because I had just taken on a new role as a Business Manager working in a small organisation in NHS Wales. Being Chartered has enabled me to move up the career ladder as a company secretary, working in a number of NHS organisations, reaching my career goal as a director of governance. I have since moved to another sector and believe my Chartered status gives me credibility as the senior governance adviser for the business.'
- Pamela Wenger FCG
‘Applying for Chartered membership was, for me, imperative. The key benefits are that it shows I have skills and experience and it provides me with tools and resources to continue my professional development. It benefits the business I work for because employing me as a Chartered member demonstrates commitment to upholding governance standards. Finally, it benefits my colleagues, peers and clients; Chartered membership helps me to assist those groups by mentoring them and being a focal point for questions and ideas, helping build awareness of the importance of good governance and championing the profession and membership.’
- Damien Sharpe ACG
‘Chartered status undoubtedly gives me an edge in achieving recognition in the field of governance. I am extremely proud to be one of the few Fellows of CGIUKI in Sri Lanka. My qualification is transferable to many countries across the world.’
- Sonali Fernando FCG
‘I was 24 when I successfully completed my CGIUKI exams and applied to become a Chartered Secretary. The application process was quite simple. My qualification as a Chartered Secretary was a significant milestone and boosted my career. I gained recognition in the business community, especially since I can use the designation Chartered Governance Professional.’
- Patricia Goder ACG