Why get accreditation?
Quality
It shows that your work as an individual or organisation is highly competent and that your consultancy has the knowledge, skills and expertise to carry out human factors work to a high standard.
Promotion
Consultancies accredited by us are promoted here and in response to enquiries. We only recommend accredited consultancies and give referrals to people who ask us about human factors assistance.
Recognition
You can use a special CIEHF-accredited consultancy badge and the text “This is a CIEHF Registered Consultancy” in your publicity for your business, giving it credibility and enabling it to stand out from the crowd.
What's needed?
If you'd like to get your organisation recognised as a Registered Consultancy, click on each item below to find out more about the different requirements for your application.
Competencies
Applications are assessed to determine whether the claims made within it are appropriate given the information presented on the application form and in the accompanying documents. Your consultancy must employ or contract suitably competent consultants, each with a proficiency level of at least 3 (intermediate) in the appropriate area of the Professional Competency Checklist, to provide the ergonomics services you are offering. Assessment will be made by reviewing the consultants' CVs.
Your consultancy must remain up to date in the discipline to maintain the quality of your services and ensure the continuing professional development of your individual consultants. You'll be expected to show how you do that, for example with team meetings, and by offering opportunities and time for consultants to carry out CPD activities.
The technical quality of your ergonomics consultancy service will be assumed to be satisfactory if all the work is performed by a Chartered Member of the Institute, or the work is supervised and signed off by a Chartered Member.
Experience
Main requirements
- Your ergonomics expertise must be available on a consultancy basis to any potential client (internal or external).
- You must have at least one Registered Member or Fellow of the Institute with Chartered Status on your permanent staff. They must be nominated as the main contact.
- Your consultancy can demonstrate experience in the areas of competence you'll be claiming.
- You can provide evidence to show that your consultancy has a programme of continuing professional development for both the consultancy services and individual consultants' needs.
Assessment
How your consultancy is assessed
Two members of the Institute’s Professional Affairs Board (PAB) will assess your application. They might ask you to submit additional information if there are any areas which need clarification.
During the assessment of your application, all assessors follow specific written guidance and complete a checklist to ensure they work consistently and we maintain a clear record of your application. You should read these too before you apply to understand what the assessors are looking for, how they do their assessment, and to give yourself the best chance of success.
See the assessor guidance
See the assessor checklist
Frequently asked questions
How long will the assessment process take?That depends on several things such as the quality and completeness of your application. The assessors are all volunteers so must find time to assess your application, though they will endeavour to do this as quickly as possible. If all goes well, we hope to have your application processed within 6 weeks.
If my application is successful, what happens then?
Congratulate yourself! If your application is accepted, we will let you know straight away and you will be sent confirmation of the decision. Your consultancy will be listed as an Institute Registered Consultancy, and will be promoted via our website to potential clients. It's important to think carefully about the details and descriptions you supply to us for this purpose, in order to maximise your chances of attracting work. You'll be able to use a special Institute badge to show your accreditation.
What if my application is rejected?You will be given guidance as to the areas in which it was felt that the application was lacking, so that you get a chance to improve the material and could reapply in the future.
Questions you might have
Can I apply if I have only just set up my consultancy?
Yes you can, provided your consultancy meets the criteria for applying.
Do I have to renew my application?
Yes, we will ask you to reaccredit your consultancy every three years. You should tell us in the meantime if any of your consultancy's details change.
How will my consultancy be promoted?
We'll list your consultancy here on our website according to the competencies you provide in your application. So it's important that you think about that when you apply.
Ready to apply?
If you think you're ready to apply, this is what you'll need to do.
- Gather detailed CVs for each consultant that will provide services on your consultancy's behalf.
- Fill in an application form completing all parts including the table detailing the areas of expertise you offer clients.
- Email the application form to us, together with the consultant CVs and any other documentation you think would support your application.
- Pay the application fee when you receive our invoice.