What the assessment panel look for
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Sufficient professional context. Is the level of experience and professional responsibility demonstrated appropriate, for example, does it extend beyond offering technical support under the supervision of other professionals?
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Has the case been made for CGeog status? How does your experience and knowledge mean you are qualified for CGeog? Is there explicit evidence to indicate that the value of CGeog as a professional qualification will be understood through interaction with other professionals? Is there an explicit statement as to why you want to become a Chartered Geographer?
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Is there enough evidence of professional influence? You could be meeting the basic requirements of your job description well, but may not appear to have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting geography (for example; internally through mentoring, memberships, outreach programmes, and supporting colleagues, or through external activities). Examples of the way successful applicants have made reference to these activities can be found in these professional self-evaluation (PSE) statements (PDF) and in the guideline requirements.
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Is enough information given? For example; details of collaborative work undertaken, topics and audiences for external lectures and publications, and evidence of the quality and success of these activities. What form of engagement has there been with national or local geographically-related organisations, for example the RGS-IBG or AGI? Where you have stated that you have given lectures, we should be told dates, subject, organisations, locations, outcomes and so on. However, not all of these activities are expected - these are just examples
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For those without formal geographical training, is there evidence of, through professional experience, an appreciation of the scope and significance of a geographical perspective beyond the technical requirements of your work? For example, a GIS specialist should be able to evaluate the limitations, as well as the potential, of applying GIS analysis and modelling to complex social or environmental problems. Also, has there been any specifically geographical Continuing Professional Development (CPD) relevant to your work? How do you keep up with current geographically-relevant research, through attendance at courses or conferences, or the use of publications? Do you show clear evidence of involvement with a geographical or geographically-related community?
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Applications that do not mention geography or Chartered Geographer are not accepted, and information about travel and hobbies is not appropriate.
What needs to be included in the extended Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
The CV should contain everything a normal CV would but it is not constrained in terms of length. This should include all dates of education, start and end dates and responsibilities for roles and projects when employed - to clearly demonstrate your career progression and progression of responsibilities.
The CV should be tailored specifically for an application for CGeog, outlining the geographical aspects of all education and relevant positions. The following information should be included to do this: details about education and qualifications (including thesis titles, names of course providers); employment details; relevant memberships; relevant experience; projects worked on and any publication details.
Details of degree content should be included if your degree is not in geography.
How should I format my CPD log?
The Society formally recognises CPD events and courses that are suitable for Chartered Geographers and other professional geographers. These can include networking evenings, formal and informal training and courses, conferences, lectures and webinars – activities that help develop new geographical skills, knowledge and connections.
The Society recognises courses through kite marking. The kite mark raises the profile of the CPD activity, highlighting its relevance for Chartered Geographer and other professional accreditations.
If you would like to find out more about the benefits of kite marking CPD events as well as the process to apply, please contact the Professional Officer - cgeog@rgs.org
What should the PSE contain?
The professional self-evaluation (PSE) is the most important part of your application and the quality of it will be the deciding factor for the assessors.
The PSE should be very different from your CV. It should provide highlights and more information about impact, whilst cross-referring to your CV and CPD record. Your CV and CPD record are factual records of your career progression and professional development.
The evaluation should:
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Clearly describe all relevant geographical experience and knowledge
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Clearly describe how you are applying your geographical knowledge, skills and understanding to your work
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Show how this constitutes a case for Chartered Geographer
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Demonstrate that you are advancing geography above and beyond your job description and everyday work requirements
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Show a commitment to continuing professional development
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Provide an explicit statement as to why you wish to become a Chartered Geographer
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State how you will use the post-nominal in the future
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The evaluation should not just be an extension of your CV (such as a chronological explanation of your employment changes) or biographical in style.
What extra information can I include?
You may like to include some (small) examples of your work, which you feel strengthens your application and is relevant. For example; articles, publications or maps. These should be submitted electronically. Please consider the length of the supporting documents you provide, being respectful of the time the assessors have to review documents. Short passages of publications will suffice.
You should consider whether it is appropriate to provide certain supporting documents - submitting commercially produced reports for private clients may constitute a breach of privacy and will not be assessed, unless you can provide evidence that the client has given permission for these to be included.
Who should write my references?
You will need two references. Ideally these should be from a current or previous line manager, university supervisor or colleague who can write in detail about your geographical knowledge, skills and understanding. Referees do not need to be Chartered Geographers or Fellows of the Society. They should be shown your application documents prior to writing the reference so they can verify the information in your application and also be completely independent.
CGeog (Teacher) applicants need to just supply the contact details of two referees who will be contacted by the Professional Officer on your behalf.