I became a Chartered Scientist in 2013 when the Institute of Water first introduced professional registration for scientists. I studied Marine and Freshwater Biology as a first degree but was first introduced to the water industry when my father started working at a local Water Treatment Works and I assisted in the laboratory at the works every summer holiday whilst doing that degree carrying out chemical and microbiological testing of treated water samples.
Science Registration
Science registration sets you apart by providing independent recognition of your expertise, professionalism, and dedication to continuous development within your chosen field. This accreditation highlights your ability to apply scientific knowledge and skills effectively in real-world scenarios while upholding the highest professional standards.
Science Registration
Professional registration captures your working experience and shows the level of competence you have as a practicing scientist. It also demonstrates your commitment to integrity, regard for public interest, and responsibility for others.
If you’re a skilled, practicing scientist looking to enhance your career and improve your job prospects, consider becoming a registered scientist with the Institute of Water.
Start your application today and become part of a professional network of registered scientists!
Our Science Registrations
The Institute of Water is licensed to award professional registrations on behalf of the Science Council. The registration has three sections:
All candidates for registration as Registered Science Technicians, Registered Scientist, and Chartered Scientist must satisfy the competence standards set by the Scientist Council and be full members of a professional body such as the Institute of Water.
Why Choose a Science Registration?
Registration tells others that you are committed to working to high ethical standards and gives them trust and confidence in you as a professional scientist. Applying for a professional registration also supports and encourages you to reflect on what you have achieved in your career so far.
Watch this video from the Science Council to learn more about the importance of becoming a professionally registered scientist.
The Application Process
Getting Started
If you’re interested in discovering how science registration can benefit your career, begin by selecting the level that best matches your current experience:
We’re also here to support your application, so please call us at 0191 422 0088 or email registration@instituteofwater.org.uk if you have any questions about getting started and our dedicated Professional Standards Manager will be happy to help you.
Claire Pollard CSci , Vice President Science, on Science Registration:
When I left university, I started working full time for Anglian Water expanding my knowledge and experience in the world of water testing and during that time, I obtained a Masters degree in Microbiology. My career developed from that early water company experience, moving to the Drinking Water Inspectorate where I spent over 20 years working in all areas of the regulation of drinking water quality and public health. It was during my time with the DWI that I obtained the Chartered Scientist award, the attraction being that it recognised all the different aspects of being a Water Scientist by profession rather than a scientist by qualification. It felt more relevant as a reflection of my wider water industry experience and knowledge that I had gained at that time.
I have since become an assessor for all three of the scientific registration levels for both the Institute of Water and the Science Council and promoted the benefits of being registered to scientific colleagues in my last three roles, with the DWI, Anglian Water and Thames Water supporting and acting as a mentor as much as possible. Moving into a new role recently with Southern Water, I will be doing much the same with my scientific colleagues there. The benefits of registration are so important for individual scientists in the industry as recognition of their professionalism gained through experience and knowledge in whatever scientific role they are working in, but also of their passion for being part of an industry delivering a vital public health service from provision of drinking water to treatment of sewage wastewater.
For this reason, I was really honoured to be asked to become the new Vice President of Science for the Institute of Water not least as the invite came from its predecessor Robin Price, who has championed professional registration for many years not just at Anglian Water where he works but supporting other water companies to progress the registration in their own scientific teams. He will be a hard act to follow but I know there is the support from him and from others at the Institute of Water and I look forward to continuing championing the importance and benefits of professional registration.
Professional Registration FAQs
We’re here to support your application, so please call us at 0191 422 0088 or email registration@instituteofwater.org.uk if you have any questions about your application and our dedicated Professional Standards Manager will be happy to help you.
All applicants for professional registration must be members of a professional body such as IWater. To find out more about IWater membership, click here
Before applying, you should consider the standards required for registration, and discuss these with your employer or you can contact us. Please refer to the latest edition of standards listed on the dedicated Engineering, Environment, and Science pages.
You will also need:
- An up to date CV
- A job description of current role
- Sponsor certified competency evidence
- Signed copies of relevant academic/training certificates
All applicants for professional registration must be members of a professional body such as the Institute of Water. Click here to find out more about Institute of Water membership.
Before applying, you should consider the standards required for registration, and discuss these with your employer or you can contact us. Please refer to the latest edition of standards listed on the dedicated professional registration pages.
Once you are ready to apply, please download our application guides and our application forms on the dedicated pages.
As part of your application you will be asked to produce a copy of your CPD record. Through IWater, members have access to a user-friendly CPD platform, click here to find out more.
You may not know which professional registration award fits your current work and experience, which is why we are here to advise you.
Each professional registration award requires you to demonstrate that you have met a variety of competencies and have a certain level of responsibility through your workplace experience.
You can find videos, testimonials and further information on the different professional registration awards here on our website. To be advised personally on which professional registration award is right for you, please contact us.
You can find videos, testimonials and further information on IWater professional registration right here on our website.
You will also be supported in applying for your professional registration, and we can advise you as to which professional registration award is right for you.
There are three separate fees involved in obtaining and retaining professional registration. Which are:
- Review Fee for your specific professional registration
- Initial Registration Fee
- Annual Renewal Fee
More information can be found on each dedicated professional registration or by contacting us. Please note that failure to pay fees can result in the removal of your professional registration.
Professional registration wasn’t built overnight (unfortunately!) and there will be a period of time where you are waiting to hear back after submitting your application.
Please be aware that the process can take up to three months. We are fully committed to keeping you informed with any updates or communication from assessors regarding your application.