In an open letter to Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Chartered Week Alliance, a coalition of over 40 Chartered and professional organisations, asks ministers to take a lead in expecting and promoting professional registration and Chartered status, including within the civil service.

The Alliance argues that Chartered bodies are uniquely placed to support national renewal: raising standards, widening access to professional careers, strengthening ethical practice and underpinning confidence in public and business services.

The call comes ahead of the second annual Chartered Week (23–27 February 2026), a campaign highlighting the role of professional standards in public accountability and economic competitiveness.

The letter states that partnering more closely with Chartered and professional bodies across disciplines, from science, technology, engineering and maths to environment, law, accountancy, leadership, management and procurement, will help ensure public policy has long-term credibility.

It also highlights that active membership of a professional body represents a clear pledge of public accountability, underpinned by codes of conduct and ethical commitments – a safeguard the Alliance says is “critical in the AI age.”

Sharron Gunn, CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “Chartered status is not a badge for a minority at the top of their profession, it is a public commitment to competence, ethics and accountability. In the age of AI and digital transformation, that commitment matters more than ever.

“If we want the public to trust the systems that shape their lives, whether it’s public services or private digital infrastructure, we must champion professional standards at the heart of government itself.”

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, chief executive of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, added: “IOSH is pleased to support this letter, reflecting our longstanding commitment to the highest standards of professional competence and ethical practice.

“Chartered bodies offer an invaluable source of independent, evidence based expertise drawn from practitioners who work across every part of the economy. By engaging with them, the government can strengthen the credibility, resilience and effectiveness of public policy, ensuring it is informed by recognised professional standards and real world insight.

“IOSH stands ready to contribute its expertise in occupational safety and health to help build public trust, support a highly skilled workforce and advance the UK’s long term economic and social wellbeing.”

Gail Boag, CEO of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, also said: “ICAS members play a fundamental role in fostering trust and ethical leadership across the global economy. By setting rigorous professional standards and championing continuous, future-fit learning, we support our members to lead with integrity and accountability.

“This is reflected in the fact that 86% of FTSE 100 companies employ a Chartered Accountant as a trusted advisor. Chartered Week marks an opportunity to celebrate alongside other varied chartered bodies to showcase the positive impact we collectively make in wider society.”

Spencer Moore, Deputy CEO of CIMSPA said: “In a sector that plays a critical role in supporting national health, wellbeing and economic outcomes, becoming a Chartered professional in sport and physical activity marks credibility, competence and trust.

“Supporting someone to move their body, improve their wellbeing or fitness, or manage a health condition is not trivial. It requires expertise, judgement and responsibility. People shouldn’t allow just anyone to guide them on something as personal as physical activity. Our Chartered members have been rigorously tested against the sector’s professional standards and our Chartered framework, to ensure that they are the best that the sector has to offer.”

Alastair McCapra, CEO of CIPR added: “Chartership is a badge of professionalism that colleagues, clients and the public understand and trust. It demonstrates a commitment to high professional and ethical standards as well as skills, knowledge, and experience.

“Boosting the appeal and value of chartership will help to ensure that our professions have the very best people to support the delivery of the government’s vision for long-term economic growth and the rebuilding of trust in our businesses and institutions in the UK and on the international stage.”

Paul Bailey, CEO of the Engineering Council, also said: “Chartered status is a public mark of trust, recognising high standards of competence, professionalism and ethical practice, underpinned by a commitment to responsibility, leadership and acting in the public interest.

“The Engineering Council is proud to continue to support Chartered Week in celebrating the individuals and organisations who uphold and advance these standards across society and strengthen confidence in our profession.”

James Partington, director of engineering policy & impact at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “Chartered engineers bring proven expertise and professional accountability to the UK’s most complex infrastructure and engineering projects which will be fundamental to the delivery of the Industrial Strategy.

“Embedding chartered status more consistently across public projects will strengthen delivery, enhance public trust and showcase the very best of UK engineering at home and internationally.”

Petra Wilton, director of policy at the Chartered Management Institute, added: “As AI reshapes the workplace, the challenges facing the UK will require the highest standards of professional practice – especially in management and leadership.

“This Chartered Week, we are asking the government to take the lead in championing Chartered statuses across the public sector, to ensure that our civil service and vital public services are defined by their commitment to professional excellence, ethical practice and lifelong learning.”