There are four stages of the application process for companies to become fully accredited.
Stage one
Submit three hard copies of the application form and three copies of relevant company material e.g training policy, competence criteria, recruitment literature to the professional development department at the IMechE.
Companies are invited to send in draft applications by email for review. If you would like your draft application form reviewed please email it to ipd@imeche.org
If you need further assistance in filling out your application form and would like to book an advisory visit with a Professional Development Consultant please contact ipd@imeche.org
Stage two
Once your application has been received by the IMechE it will be reviewed by a Professionally Registered Engineer, experienced in professional development programmes. After this review your application is accepted by IMechE and registered with a unique company PDS reference number. At this point young engineers may be registered on the MPD Scheme.
Stage three
An accreditation visit will be arranged, normally within six to nine months from registration, provided there are young engineers registered on the scheme. The accreditation visit will last a full day (normally between 10am - 4pm) and will aim to access the following:
- Evidence of High level support and commitment
- Access to and support for Developing Engineers’ whose academic portfolios require a Further Learning plan
- Sufficient challenges for Developing Engineers’ to meet the Engineering Council UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence within the workplace
- Support for mentor training
- Ensure that e-MPDS records are up to date
- The level of internal support for the scheme (ie. scheme co-ordinator, line mangers, industry liaison officers and mentors)
Further guidance on the format of the visit day can be found from the accreditation visit agenda
There is no charge for IMechE accreditation visits
Stage four
Following the accreditation visit, the visiting team’s report is sent to members of the Professional Development Standards Committee (PDSC) for review. The decision by the Committee to accredit a company is based on the application, the accreditation visit and report. If successful the period of accreditation will be granted from the date of the accreditation visit.
You will be formally notified in writing of the success of your accreditation and of any recommendations made by the Committee. If you would like to order a certificate of your accreditation please complete a certificate registration form and return to the IMechE.
If accreditation is not recommended, full support and advice will be provided, highlighting areas that need to be modified to achieve accreditation.
Overseas Applications
Companies operating outside the UK mainland must meet the total costs of an accreditation visit, including administration costs, travel, accommodation and all other relevant expenses.
Joint Accreditation Visits
Joint accreditation visits can be arranged with other Institutions. Please be aware that other institutions may charge a fee for accreditation visits. Accreditation decisions are reached independently by each institution and may differ.