Pathways

Stage 1: Chartered Registration

In the online application you will be asked to confirm that you have read the guidelines and to provide the following items:

• Confirmation that you have been practicing for 5 years or more
• Personal details that register you as an applicant
• Details of any professional memberships and recognition
• Details of any academic qualifications gained
• Information about how you practice, employment, etc.
• An undertaking to abide by the Terms & Conditions of The Pathway to Chartered Designer
• Payment of the appropriate application fee

Outcome:

Once your application has been reviewed and your payment processed you will receive a notification that you are registered on the Pathway.

Please note that all of the information and data you provide in this application remains confidential and will only be used for the purpose of progressing your application and enhancing your membership experience.

The personal data and images collected from you is governed by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and will only be used as previously stated.  If we intend to use your personal data for a purpose different than it was originally provided for, we must provide notice of the new purpose to you before processing. 

Stage 2: Professional Portfolio

Once you have successfully registered on the Pathway by completing the Application you will be able to access Stage 2 to compile your Professional Portfolio.

Compiling your Professional Portfolio will require that you demonstrate your competence to practice in keeping with CPSK, evidence your commitment to professional practice and submit copies of various documents relating to your current practice as a designer and future practice as a Chartered Designer.

There are templates for most of the submission requirements which are easily completed and all other documents required can be easily uploaded. Some standard documents are available for you to customise.

You will need to provide the following items:

• Submit a copy of your up to date Curriculum Vitae
• Upload your of case studies (CSD members are exempt from a full submission)
• Map your case studies against the CPSK
• Make written submissions in support of your mapping of the case studies
• Complete a self-analysis Professional Competence Statement
• Provide proof of current insurance protections
• Client, supplier and/or employer references
• Complete a Continual Professional Development (CPD) audit
• Submit a CPD plan
• Complete the Intellectual Property module
• Submit your Intellectual Property Policy (IPP) document
• Submit a copy of your Terms & Conditions

Possible Outcomes:

Your Professional Portfolio will be examined and reviewed by the appropriate panels and there are several possible outcomes:

Your Professional Portfolio is accepted and you will be invited to a Professional Review and informed of the date and time, or

In certain instances you may be awarded Chartered Designer status without the need to attend a Professional Review, or

A panel may request further details to clarify any matters.
You may be asked to complete additional requirements in which case your Pathway may be extended, or

Your application and submission is rejected.

Stage 3: Professional Review

Once you have completed the Professional Portfolio successfully you will be asked to attend a Professional Review. CSD members are exempted from attending a Professional Review however The Register reserves the right to request any CSD member to attend a Professional Review in order to monitor the Pathway and ensure the integrity of its process.

The Professional Review will be conducted at the offices of the Chartered Society of Designers in London by two senior design practitioners. The review will last approximately one hour.

Possible Outcomes:

The applicant is awarded Chartered Designer status, or

There is a referral and request for additional submissions within the Professional Portfolio, or

The award is deferred for a specified period of not less than one year before the applicant is eligible to re-apply and during which a Pathway will be determined.

Stage 4: Chartered Ratification

If Chartered Designer status is granted then the applicant will be required to pay the appropriate joining fee and first annual subscription.

Once this is received a Chartered Designer Certificate will be issued together with other documentation.

Only once this stage is complete will the name of the applicant be entered on to The Register of Chartered Designers and he or she be authorised to use the title of ‘Chartered Designer’.

Stage 5: Annual Compliance

All Chartered Designers will be required to submit an Annual Compliance Statement which demonstrates that they have practiced in accordance with the requirements of a Chartered Designer for the past year and as set out by The Register, and that they are committed to practicing as such over the coming 12 months.

There are templates for most of the statement requirements which are easily completed and all other documents required can be easily uploaded.

In order to maintain their status Chartered Designers must:

• Submit a log showing that they have undertaken substantial CPD over the previous 12 months
• Complete a CPD plan for the coming 12 months
• Provide evidence of their support of the design profession over the previous 12 months
• Submit copies of continuing adequate insurance protection
• Make any declarations affecting the status as a Chartered Designer
• Confirm their on-going undertaking as a Chartered Designer
• Confirm their on-going membership of a body Licensed by The Register
• Remit all relevant annual fees to The Register