Hi Simon,

I recently underwent this process, I found it difficult to begin with but had a first crack at it and then went through the general responsibilities and "achievements" of my role, difficult to compare to those who may be working in and managing whole departments, budgets etc.

One thing I would say: Don't forget the influence and work required to manage stakeholders! particularly those who are not direct reports, and those who are often senior (directors, senior managers, clients and their representatives) more difficult and requiring a lot of leadership and influencing skills.

I'm sure it can be easier to get people to do what you want them to, when you are their boss, but how about when you are the Risk Manager/Safety Manager for a contractor, or the company? How do we get people to do what we want them to do?

Initially I found this difficult, as you'll be aware in a typical "health and safety" remit it can be broad, but limited on organisational reports, leading teams etc. particularly when working in SME's. I also found it difficult to quantify my achievements, but after I spent some time thinking back, based this around improvement iniatives, introducing new ways of working, audit/inspection improvements etc. Which benefit the organisation, it's people and stakeholders, but at first difficult to think of it as a considerable "achievement".

I also recently completed a L7 cert in strategic leadership and management, so used this to support the application, however, the requirements also include "Managing teams/resources at senior/strategic level for minimum 3 years"

Best of luck Simon, not that you'll need it! You'll ace it!

Thanks, Frazer Lowrie! Valuable advice which I shall follow ;)

Simon Rosser Happy to help!

Hi Simon, My level 7 qualification was in Exec Coaching and leadership mentoring - so not a direct L&M qual and, along with my experience in senior management roles, that enabled me to become a fellow.

Simon, I have just completed the experiential route. I didn't have a Level 7 Qualification on the list, in fact having started as a Trainee at the BBC a while ago now my training and qualifications have all tended to be internal. The BBC and the companies I have worked for since have all invested in training, but these are rarely externally recognised. The experiential route allowed me to demonstrate the skills and qualities necessary.