We have all heard of a Chartered Accountant or a Chartered Surveyor and we know how professional there are when we receive an invoice for their professional services! But have you heard of a Chartered Horticulturist? I am sure that you have not! However, all this is about to change.
A Chartered professional is a person who has gained a level of competence in a particular field of work and as such has been awarded formal recognition by an approved organization. Being “Chartered” is considered a status of professional competency, one which adds prestige and credibility to an individual. Being a Chartered Horticulturist or employing individuals with this accreditation will assist you in marketing your services, promoting your products and improving the status of your business. For those with formal academic qualifications in horticulture gaining individual chartership will validate your professional competence and add a new set of letters (C.Hort) after your name. Also, applications for Chartership are open to those within the industry who do not have formal academic horticulture qualifications but have extensive professional knowledge and experience.
In July 2014 the NEWChartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) will come into being. It will replace the InstituteofHorticulture (IoH) which was established in 1984 with the aim of fostering a close relationship between all sectors of professional horticulture (advisory,research,amenity,commercial,educationandtraining) throughout Great Britain and Ireland. A Charter will enhance the Institute’s ability to present our profession through increasing the profile, recognition and standing of professional horticulturists. As a Chartered body the Institute’s ability to raise standards will be strengthened and the Institute will be better placed to represent and support horticulture as a profession and assist individual members in the practice of their profession.
On becoming the Chartered Institute of Horticulture all existing IoH members will retain their current membership level but they will also have the benefits associated with membership of a Chartered body. However,the New CIH will have the ability to award individual Chartered status to members of the Institute. This status will recognise the achievement of a senior practitioner and this will support members by confirming their high level of professional expertise and competence.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and/or a Chartered Horticulturist, please contact Dr. Owen Doyle FCIH Chairperson Ireland Branch:owen.doyle@uce.ie
