The fellowship application requires that 4 criteria are selected (from 20) and the candidate needs to demonstrate how their work and practices meet those criteria. I have completed further study since I became a member such as NEBOSH qualifications and NEC4 accreditation. However, my promotion to manager level, as well as the work we do around EDI and mental health allowed me to demonstrate many other attributes that are required by RICS Fellows. The challenge is recognising that the things that we do in our day-to-day working lives at SCAPE are highly valued in our industry and that we don't simply do the minimum. We work hard and the RICS as well as other professional bodies recognise that. The key is to step back and really appreciate the value that we each add to our organisation.

Last year I was given the opportunity to undertake Manager Insights. Initially this provided an evaluation of my management maturity and then the internal development offer was tailored to meet my individual requirements, including areas for improvement. My transition from team member to team leader has been insightful and sometimes challenging, but I've had great support from my managers and team members. Reverse mentoring has been a key part of my learning to be a leader.

SCAPE colleagues have been incredibly supportive of my fellowship application. As well as the initial green light for me to start the fellowship application, colleagues have also written comprehensive statements verifying that I meet the necessary criteria. I simply could not have achieved fellowship without a large number of SCAPE colleagues.

I walk a little taller now. Being recognised as having the attributes of fellowship by a body such as the RICS gives me huge confidence. I hope that this will allow me to be a more effective leader internally but also give customers even more confidence in me when engaging on their construction projects.

I would say don’t hesitate. Explore the criteria required to become a member of your professional body (or progress to fellowship if you're already a member) and then look at what you already do. In a lot of cases, you may already be meeting some of those criteria, and with help and support available at SCAPE membership (or fellowship) is within your grasp. Discuss specific requirements with your manager who can help you tailor your work activities (and extra curricula elements) to allow you to excel. Professional status is a huge boost to anyone's career and I'm so proud to have become a fellow of the RICS. And that I did it with the support of SCAPE.