APM receives its Royal Charter
Posted: 9th January 2017
The Association for Project Management (APM) has received its Royal Charter following notification from the Privy Council Office in October that Her Majesty The Queen had approved its application. The Charter represents a significant milestone in the development of the profession and completes the final phase before the association transitions to a full Chartered body in April 2017.
The receipt of a Royal Charter marks a significant achievement in the evolution of project management and those who make, and seek to make, a career in this field. The Charter provides recognition for the profession, reward for the association that has championed its cause and opportunity for those who practice its disciplines. APM President David Waboso, Chairman John McGlynn and CEO Sara Drake were on hand to receive the Sealed Charter in December. The Chartered award is great recognition for a relatively new profession which now makes such a significant contribution to social and economic wellbeing.
APM President, David Waboso congratulated all those who have supported this aspiration for over a decade: “This is a significant moment in the history of the project management profession as a whole and of APM in particular.” said David “We are privileged to share this success with those who laid the foundations for the association and the discipline we now know as project management. To reach this point in a single generation is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the tenacity, resourcefulness and professionalism of all concerned.”
The Charter was printed on vellum following a 700 year-old tradition. On the agreement of the Privy Council, Her Majesty signed a warrant authorising the Crown Office to apply the Great Seal of the Realm. That sealing confirmed the creation of a new Chartered body dedicated to project management. “We know that project management is the most effective means of delivering successful change and we know that change, when delivered well, improves our economy and society.” said APM Chairman John McGlynn “Our skills are needed more than ever and the Royal Charter provides the profession with a platform to raise awareness of our skills, improve standards and develop our practice for the benefit of all.”
Continuing a process which started at the November Annual General Meeting, APM now takes forward the steps to enable the transfer the assets and members from the current charity to the new body. The new APM will remain a charity, keep its current name and become operational on 1st April 2017. APM is also preparing for the next important phase of creating a register of Chartered Project Professionals. The criteria for this will be the subject of consultation during the course of 2017.
“The development of the register of Chartered Project Professionals is a central pillar in our drive to raise standards of project, programme and portfolio delivery,” said APM CEO Sara Drake. “Our intention is to provide a register which offers (to clients, employers and the public) confidence of quality across the rich diversity of skills involved in project management in the quantity needed by the profession and by society across all walks of life.”