The IES and its educational arm, the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), now accredit 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in environmental science and related subjects.

Thirty-five institutions in the UK, and one overseas, accredit programmes through our Accreditation Scheme, which succeeds in maintaining the flow of highly qualified and motivated environmental graduates who are able to meet the challenges of the future. That's why our scheme is the number one choice for universities and further education institutions delivering environmental programmes in the UK, and is increasingly sought by universities abroad.

Accreditation integrates every aspect of a programme's content, structure and delivery, including course aims, pathways, extra-curricular opportunities for learning, employability planning, transferable skills and connections with employers, ensuring each are aligned with high quality professional development. Soon, we will be incorporating an additional provision for diversity and inclusion in the accreditation framework.

Students enrolled on any IES/CHES accredited programme are eligible for free Student Membership of the IES, signalling their professional commitment to potential employers in the environmental sector. With over a thousand students registered so far, our membership is enriched by its unification of both aspiring and established environmental professions.

Consistently championing the environmental disciplines, CHES has been actively engaged in the REF, TEF, ES3 Benchmark statement and higher education policy. In 2018, the Committee will be hosting a workshop to share best practice in employability skills and teaching, which will be open to both employers and academics. More details will be announced in January, but please feel free to register your interest at info@ches.org.uk.

For more information about CHES and our Accreditation Scheme, please visit the CHES website or contact us at info@ches.org.uk.