I think it depends upon your own circumstances. I am currently working on my IPD with a view to gaining chartered status. My motivation is that as part of my role I am working on all the elements required for chartered status. so no real extra work and that in an uncertain employment market it pays to have the best qualifications possible. 4 years ago having a Diploma was a passport to a decent role, now it is a minimum requirement for just about any role and I think unless there is a real change in the economy being chartered is going to be a requirement just to get to the interview stage. Regards Simon

I have been actively searching for a new job up here in Scotland. Whilst it is true that many of the recruiters/employers seek a diploma and chartered status as an essential requirement, there are quite a few that require a NEBOSH certificate and relevant experience. Stick with what you have for the moment and try and get some experience - (perhaps easier said than done I know!).

I have been Grad since 2009 and just keep it ticking over via CPD. No issues or pressure from IOSH. Chartered no real advantage at this time for me, however good to maintain Grad - you never know!

Nikki - haqve you asked IOSH? Only they can give you the right answer - and that may change in the future? David

What kind of things/projects could I attempt for the IPD, bearing in mind I don't have an employer. Is it actually possible to get to chartered status "without" being employed? I wouldn't have thought so, but would like to hear others' experiences.

Nikki I have been in this position for a while and it is technically possible from what I understand. The problem is the evidence you need, is evidence that you have advised and carried out certain duties. This is obviously a problem if you are unemployed as I am. If you could give advice to a charity or some club etc you may be able to build up the required evidence, which indeed it was suggested to me to volunteer. You could also become self-employed and so will gain evidence from that activity. One other possibility is that if you are employed doing something other than H&S you could ask your employer if you could carry out some H&S projects for them and build up your portfolio that way. The problem I have encountered with volunteering is charities mostly want foot soldiers to collect money. If you start giving advice to clubs or whatever, you need insurance. Becoming self-employed at the moment is tricky, but again technically possible. IOSH may be willing to let you see the various criteria you need to fulfil, this would help you make your own mind up on whether or not it is possible for you to achieve the outcome required. I'm not sure though in order to get this information if you have to register on IPD and pay up. IF you do pay you get a pack of info which is relatively self-explanatory. I think any subsidy from IOSH if out of work only applies to membership, and not the IPD, but would be happy to be wrong.

Thanks for all your replies. Hopefully, this year will see me secure my first post, and then I can proceed with my IPD.

I have to admit that I have started the IPD process but I am also very busy and find it hard enough keeping my CPD up to date (just spent a good two hours catching up on that today). I don’t really need CMIOSH so I don’t have the motivation to complete the IPD (just wish I had thought of that before paying for it two years ago). I also asked for a mentor at one time and that didn’t happen, so no real support, so lost interest. Think I’ll stick with the Grad as well!