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In January 2025, the IAQM introduced a competency-based membership application process and this article provides reflections from the Membership Subcommittee after the first round of applications under this new system, with the aim to support future applicants and current members looking to regrade with feedback on how to write a strong application. Firstly, a big thank you to the first applicants to have tested out the new competency framework. This new framework and supporting guidance was developed by the IAQM Committee following a review in 2023 to promote excellence in the field, demonstrate the value of IAQM membership, and support the personal development and career progression of air quality professionals of both in our membership and in the wider sector.

The aim was to develop a more structured and consistent approach to membership applications, outlining the different types of competencies expected at different membership levels, improve transparency around how membership applications are assessed and provide additional guidance and support on the application process for members.

The new approach also means we can be confident when awarding full membership that we align with requirements of the Town and Country Planning Act requirement for competent professionals, and it underpins the recognition of expertise that IAQM membership confers (see IES discussion paper on competence in EIA). 

The update to the membership application process and guidance also recognises the diversification in our discipline over the last 10 years, with more members now also working in indoor air quality, carbon and sustainability, and socio-economics, as well as our increasing international membership.

Building a strong application

Motivational statement

One new thing we’ve introduced is a requirement for a motivational statement setting out your reasons for joining the IAQM. We would really like candidates to use this opportunity to provide a clear outline of their air quality experience. The statement is where an assessor will first get to know you and your aspirations, both in your career and as an IAQM member. The IAQM is a part of the IES, which is a registered charity. We are reliant on our members to write guidance, contribute to consultations, review membership applications in their own time, to bring benefits to air quality and those who work in the field.

If you are unsure where to start, why not take a look at the IAQM’s Code of Professional Conduct – you could write about how you have developed your knowledge of air quality, foster the professional development of colleagues, or maybe you have already contributed to IAQM activities – we definitely would like to know about that if you have.

Preparing your answers

We strongly encourage you to write the statement and competency responses in your own words and for them to be authentic. While a minimum number of words isn’t specified, we definitely would like to read more than one or two sentences about you. However, rather than repeating what is in your CV, use cross referencing to specific project examples (these could be a research project, volunteering, or work related). A suggested approach of how to structure the response can be found in the guidance document, and an example showing the kind of response we are looking for is also provided. You aren’t expected to describe every single competency, especially not in an early stage of your career, and we’d rather hear about a few projects in more detail so you can demonstrate your understanding and application of different skillsets.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

While generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT) can speed up the drafting and structuring of prose, we would caution against using such tools for anything other than for editing answers that you have already prepared and which are based on your own writing style and reflect your personal experience to date. High scoring responses to the motivational statement and competency questions will be those that communicate clearly an individual’s motivations, skills and experience, and provide relevant reflections on specific projects. Responses using AI can tend to be vague and written in a bland style that overuses certain words or phrases. If this is noted by the assessors, it may cast doubt on the authenticity of the response. When assessing responses, we really want to get to know your particular skills and career pathway, something which AI tools will struggle to do.

Constructing your CV

Your CV should be tailored to the IAQM application so you should expect to do some editing to the last one you used for a job application or your work CV. We would like to read in some detail about a couple of key projects you have worked on (the client, location, scope, your specific responsibilities or contributions, what outcome you achieved and lessons learned), rather than just the general project description. You could note in a margin or add a bullet point to explain how much of each role you’ve had, or course you’ve done, was spent on air quality. We really need this if your role is split across several disciplines. If space is an issue, don’t list all the work experience you did while on school holidays, unless of course that gave you relevant competencies. Remember, we are looking for evidence that you have the skills required for the grade of membership applied for.

Getting support on your application

For those applying for full or fellow membership, before submitting, you should share your application with your referees for their feedback. They need to be aware of your application and able to confirm that it is a true reflection of your experience. For this reason, we have clarified that a signature needs to be added for each referee.

We’ve added in a few extra FAQs which should help, and these will continue to be updated as we respond to enquiries. If you have any doubts as to what level to apply for or how to complete your application, do drop the IES team a line, and they can ask the Subcommittee for clarification.

Don’t forget, once you are a member of the IES you can seek a mentor to support you in your career development (and maybe you can become a mentor in future too!) 

We wish you luck in your future application!

Sarah Horrocks (Chair), Annie Danskin and Jamie Clayton
IAQM Membership Subcommittee