When engineering consultancy Max Fordham set out to increase the number of Chartered Engineers in their team, they turned to CIBSE’s Company Registration Package.
The goal? Streamline the path to CEng, meet evolving competency standards and give engineers the structured support they needed to progress.
The result: higher engagement, faster applications, and stronger client confidence.
Why Max Fordham chose the Company Registration Package
The company needed a clearer, more structured route to Professional Registration, particularly after new competence standards were introduced.
“We were particularly looking for structured support that would help our applicants navigate the Membership and Chartership application process with confidence. The CIBSE partnership offered clarity, guidance, and a more supportive framework for progressing through the Academic or Experience routes.
CEng status is one of the most reliable and transparent methods for demonstrating individual competence in building design.”
Clarity, support and community
With personalised guidance and regular support, engineers felt more confident and less alone in navigating a complex process.
“A notable aspect has been the sense of community formed by bringing together individuals with similar paths. This has fostered mutual support, peer encouragement, and a shared understanding of purpose, especially benefitting those pursuing the Experience route.
CIBSE assessed each participant’s background to determine the most suitable route, which clarified and reassured early in the process.”
Immediate impact
Launching the programme removed financial and admin barriers and sparked rapid uptake from previously hesitant engineers.
Structured support from CIBSE has significantly contributed to the momentum of chartership at Max Fordham.
"Since we first advertised the scheme in June 2024 we have seen a tangible increase in applications, particularly from those who had previously been unsure how to proceed. For example, in the Experience route alone, 50% of participants had submitted their applications within the first year."
Reinforcing credibility with clients
The scheme not only boosted internal development, it also made the company’s bids more competitive.
"Bidding teams report that clients increasingly seek Chartered Engineers to lead and manage projects. Since CEng is now viewed as a standard for compliance with national regulations, our affiliation with and the significant number of Chartered Engineers in our team will likely enhance our professional credibility."
Advice to other companies
Max Fordham also advises setting deadlines and offering support maintain momentum.
"Our key advice is to create internal accountability and clarity around the expectations for Chartership. While the CIBSE package is extremely helpful, internal commitment—such as setting clear targets and deadlines and offering application support—is equally vital.
Aligning internal policies with Chartership expectations (e.g. making it a prerequisite for senior roles) also reinforces its importance."