Route to Fellowship (FICW)

Process for applying to become a Fellow of the Institute for Collaborative Working

The ICW are now introducing the scheme to allow Members of the ICW to apply to become Fellows. Recognising that there will need to be a transitional period, we have set out the requirements of the scheme together with the transitional arrangements that will apply between 2021 and 2023.

The purpose of ICW fellowship (FICW) is to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of collaborative working.

To apply applicants are required to:

• Have been a continuous member of the Institute for Collaborative Working for a minimum of 5 years
• Submit a portfolio demonstrating outstanding contribution to collaborative working
• Submit a current and up to date record of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) covering no fewer than 3 years
• Submit references from two existing actively participating members of the ICW, one of which should be a Fellow of the Institute. The referees will also support the applicant and their portfolio development from their first-hand experience (referees must have been continuous ICW members for a minimum of 5 years)
• Undertake a panel interview. The panel holds the final decision as to whether the criterion for fellowship has been met

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• have made an impact in the field of collaborative working through voluntary contributions to the ICW
• are a peer-acknowledged expert with acclaimed contributions to field of collaborative working
• have developed and supported the careers of others, especially less experienced professionals in the field of collaborative working
• have made a voluntary contribution in the field of collaborative working through other means, including activities started as part of a work requirement but taken beyond the original brief

This list is not exhaustive. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the criteria above, or equivalent, in order to be considered for Fellowship. Factors can include the depth and breadth of involvement, personal contribution, and activities that "go the extra mile".

Assessment of your application

Supporting evidence must support your criterion statement and demonstrate how you have made an outstanding contribution to collaborative working.

You must receive a score of 5 for all criterion:

Panel Interview

The panel comprises representatives from ICW executive, ambassador, advisory council and Professional Development SIG roles.

Interim arrangements

These arrangements come into place from the 31st March 2021 with transitional arrangements. Recognising that there are some members who would already qualify but for whom it would be unfair to expect the criteria to commence from that point, the following interim arrangements will apply.

1. All members of the ICW who have a minimum of 5 years membership as of 31st March 2021 are entitled to apply for Fellowship of the ICW subject to the following criteria:
   1. Membership must be fully paid up
   2. They must submit an application setting out their experience and activities against the published criteria.
      1. Has made an impact in the field of collaborative working through voluntary contributions to the ICW.
      2. is a peer-acknowledged expert with acclaimed contributions to field of collaborative working.
      3. have developed and supported the careers of others, especially less experienced professionals in the field of collaborative working.
      4. has made a voluntary contribution in the field of collaborative working through other means, including activities started as part of a work requirement but taken beyond the original brief.
   3. They will not be required to submit a log of CPD for 3 years. However, they will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to continual professional learning and complete a log of CPD for the previous 1 year as a minimum.
   4. These applicants will still require 2 members of the ICW to nominate them but will not require one of them to be a fellow.
   5. Their application will be considered by the Fellows Panel.

Members who have attained 5 years membership by the 31st March 2022 will be expected to meet these same requirements with the addition of a CPD log covering 2 years. They must be nominated by 2 members of the ICW but will not require one of them to be a fellow.

From the 31st March 2023, all applicants must meet the criteria set out in the new policy Route to Fellowship.

For further information, please contact us.