Geoscientist 20.7 July 2010
A growing number of Fellows of the Society do not work solely in geology. They work largely in the area of contaminated land and environmental science, with and alongside geologists. They commonly have a first degree in geology (geoscience) and hence consider themselves geologists, but their work has developed away from geology to some degree despite remaining linked with it. Their involvement in the Society is vital, and we hope that they consider it their natural home.
Chartership is important for this group of Fellows but for some, because of the variable quantities of geology in their work, qualifying for CGeol may become difficult. We must remember that CGeol is for practising professional geologists who work as geologists in a variety of fields. Assessment of an application for Validation as a Chartered Geologist will therefore concentrate on the candidate’s knowledge of geology and their competency in this work (Chartership Criteria I, ii and vii).
Many will be qualified to apply for both CGeol and CSci and in fact we would wish to encourage them to apply for both (and EurGeol). For others, whose work has less geological content, it may well be better to apply for CSci instead. We would not want to discourage applicants from applying for both; but it would help if they discuss this with their sponsors (or the Chartership Officer, or both) to clarify this dilemma. As yet the Society does not offer CEnv, though plans are afoot to remedy this. With the three professional qualifications on offer the Society will be well placed to support the broad church of the modern Fellowship.
Supporting documents
We ask that CGeol candidates provide a maximum of six documents supporting the Professional Report. These are meant to illustrate the claims to experience, knowledge and competence made in that report. Candidates should ensure that these focus on their own work, rather than present large reports through which the Scrutineers must sift for nuggets of relevance. Scrutineers donate their time to do this work and prefer not to waste it. A candidate who has not exercised selectivity is unlikely to make a good impression! A short paragraph attached to the front of each document explaining its relevance and the points to be gathered from it would be very helpful.