Why I’ll be voting ‘Yes’ to Chartered Actuary
Recently, you may have seen The Actuary articles from Matt Saker and Charles Cowling and Danny Quant about proposals to introduce a Chartered Actuary designation for qualified members. I want to add my voice to this debate and to urge you to vote in favour of Chartered Actuary in November.
As a brief reminder – we are being asked to vote on new designations for qualified members, whereby Associate members would be able to use the designation Chartered Actuary (Associate) and Fellow IFoA members Chartered Actuary (Fellow).
It’s important that we take the time to really consider these proposals, because I believe a positive vote will lead to a significant and notable change in the public understanding of our profession, and in the use of the word ‘actuary’. As a profession we are rightly proud of our qualification, which takes many years of exacting and rigorous study to acquire. It’s important that we are fully recognised for the skills and knowledge that we can bring to addressing challenges and solving issues. The term Chartered is acknowledged and understood worldwide, and our members across all practice areas around the globe will benefit from the status and respect that this internationally recognised title brings.
Further, I would like to add that our individual pride in achieving the IFoA’s actuarial standards and qualifications and becoming a qualified actuary is reflected in the two proposed levels of Chartered designation – Chartered Associate and Chartered Fellow. These designations demonstrate Council’s understanding of our members’ desire to retain the significance of their qualifications. In other words, everyone will benefit from these changes, and no one loses out. The title Chartered would be added but nothing would be taken away.
In summary, when asked to vote in November, I encourage you to support these proposals. Adding Chartered would be a positive move forward, showing that we are a modern, forward-facing organisation ready to embrace the challenges of the coming decades. This proposal will enable us, individually and as a profession, to remain highly relevant and respected in the years to come.
