Professional Charter for Project Management Practitioners - August 2008

Over 76% of respondents to a recent Arras People survey think that project management professionals need chartered status, and 83% said they planned to apply for chartered status as project managers after the APM's charter application succeeded.

As leaders in the field of Project Management recruitment Arras People need to make sure that we understand the trends and initiatives that are in play or may in the future impact our profession; key among these at this time is the initiative by the APM to apply for a royal charter to recognise the professional role of all project professionals. After a recent presentation to the team at Arras House, a lively debate ensued amongst the team regarding the pros and cons of this application and the potential impact for individuals and employers alike. In turn we held a snap shot survey to add to our data-bank, taking the thoughts, perceptions and opinions of those directly affected by the APM's initiative for chartered professionalism status - project managers themselves.

Posting a five-question survey on our website, we asked project managers:

• Are you aware that the Association for Project Management (APM) is currently going through the process of chartered status for Project Professionals?
• Do you think the Project Management industry needs a chartered status?
• Do you believe chartered status will impact your role as a Project Professional?
• If yes, how do you think you will be impacted?
• As an individual would you look to achieve chartered status once this is available?

Comments praising the APM's decision poured in:

• 'The quality of Project Management will improve gradually as a result.'
• 'Better kudos; more salary progression etc.'
• 'I would seek chartered status and it would be a good benchmark for employers and recruiters.'

A positive reaction on the whole at this time, though there are bound to be many challenges and opportunities moving forward. Keep in touch with Arras People as we track this initiative and others, impacting the Project Management domain.

In addition, 58 percent felt chartered status would affect them as project professionals, while 24 percent were unsure and 18 percent said they felt they would remain unaffected.