Section 1
MEMBERSHIP UPGRADE POLICY
1.1 Purpose and Scope
The CILG Membership Upgrade Policy governs the procedures, requirements, evidence standards, timelines, and conditions under which members of the Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance (CILG) may advance from one membership grade to the next. This policy applies to all individual membership grades: from Student Member through to Fellow (FCILG). It is designed to ensure that every progression reflects genuine professional achievement, maintained ethical standing, and demonstrated competence consistent with the standards expected at each grade.
Important: Membership upgrade is not automatic. Completion of a qualification level creates eligibility to apply for the corresponding membership grade; it does not confer the grade automatically. Members must formally apply, submit the required evidence, pay the applicable upgrade fee, and receive written confirmation from the CILG Registrar before the new designation may be used.
1.2 General Principles Governing Upgrades
- All membership upgrades are subject to approval by the CILG Membership Committee.
- Applications are assessed on the basis of qualification completion, professional experience, CPD compliance, ethical standing, and referee endorsement.
- The CILG Registrar maintains sole authority to confer, withhold, suspend, or revoke membership grades.
- A member may not hold or use a designation above their confirmed membership grade at any time.
- All evidence submitted in support of an upgrade application must be authentic, current, and verifiable. Submission of false or misleading information constitutes a serious breach of the CILG Code of Professional Conduct and may result in disciplinary action and permanent removal from the CILG Register.
- Upgrade fees are non-refundable once an application has been formally submitted and assessed.
- Members whose applications are declined may appeal to the CILG Appeals Committee within thirty (30) working days of receiving written notification of the decision.
1.3
Upgrade Pathway Overview
| From Grade | To Grade | Qualification Required | Min. Experience | Referees | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student | Affiliate AffCILG | Level 2 Certificate | None formally required | 1 professional | CPD not yet mandatory |
| Affiliate AffCILG | Associate ACILG | Level 3 Diploma | 2 years relevant | 2 (1 must be ACILG+) | CPD compliance; Professional Reflection |
| Associate ACILG | Full Member MCILG | Level 4 Adv. Diploma | 5 years (3 senior) | 2 (MCILG or FCILG) | Viva Voce; Advanced Portfolio; CPD 2 yrs |
| Full Member MCILG | Fellow FCILG | Level 5 Chartered Prof. | 8 years (5 senior) | 2 FCILG Fellows | Fellowship Interview; Capstone Defense; CPD 3 yrs |
1.4
Upgrade Process — Step-by-Step
1
Eligibility Self-Assessment
Before initiating an upgrade application, the member should consult the CILG Membership Upgrade Checklist (available on the CILG Members' Portal) to confirm they meet the eligibility criteria for the target grade. Where there is uncertainty, the member should contact the CILG Membership Services team for a pre-application eligibility consultation (available at no charge to current members).
2
Submission of Application
The member submits the following to the CILG Registrar's Office:
- Completed CILG Membership Upgrade Application Form (available via the Members' Portal)
- Certified copies of all relevant CILG qualification certificates for the target level and all prior levels
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) detailing professional experience, roles held, and responsibilities
- Professional Experience Statement (format and word count as specified per target grade — see Section 1.5)
- Completed and signed CPD Return for the preceding period (as applicable to current grade)
- Signed referee declaration forms from all required referees (forms issued by CILG)
- Proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
- Payment confirmation of the applicable Upgrade Fee
3
Application Review
The CILG Membership Committee reviews all upgrade applications within thirty (30) working days of receipt of a complete application. The Committee may request additional documentation or clarification at any stage of the review. For Full Member and Fellowship upgrade applications, the Viva Voce and Professional Entry Interview (respectively) are scheduled during this review period.
4
Decision and Notification
The Registrar communicates the Committee's decision in writing within five (5) working days of the decision being made. The notification will state one of the following outcomes:
✓ Approved
The upgrade is confirmed; the new designation becomes effective from the date of the notification letter. The member may begin using the new post-nominal immediately.
⏸ Deferred
The application has identified one or more gaps; the member is given specific guidance on what is required to reapply. A deferred application may be resubmitted without payment of an additional upgrade fee within twelve (12) months, provided the identified gaps have been addressed.
✕ Declined
The application does not meet the required standard. Full written reasons are provided. The member may appeal within thirty (30) working days.
5
Conferral and Certification
Upon approval, the CILG Registrar updates the Official Membership Register. A new Membership Certificate bearing the upgraded grade and date of conferral is issued within fifteen (15) working days. For Fellowship, the upgraded designation is announced at the next CILG Annual Conferment Ceremony unless the member has opted for postal conferral.
1.5
Grade-Specific Upgrade Requirements
Student Member
Affiliate Member · AffCILG
USD 200
Qualification Evidence Required
- Official CILG Level 2 Certificate in Leadership and Governance (or approved exemption confirmation)
- Transcript showing all Level 2 module results
Professional Experience Evidence
- No minimum work experience formally required, though a brief professional biography is requested
- Members upgrading via the Professional Experience Route (non-qualification) must submit a CV evidencing minimum three years of relevant professional employment, plus a 500-word Professional Summary
CPD
- CPD is not mandatory for Students; however, any CPD undertaken should be declared on the upgrade form as evidence of professional commitment
Referees
- One (1) professional referee: a current or recent employer, line manager, or CILG member at any grade
- Character references from family members are not accepted
Other Requirements
- Payment of Affiliate Upgrade Fee: USD 200
- Signed CILG Code of Professional Conduct (Affiliate version)
Affiliate Member · AffCILG
Associate Member · ACILG
USD 300
Qualification Evidence Required
- Official CILG Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Governance certificate
- Full transcript of Level 3 module results
Professional Experience Evidence
- Minimum two (2) years of verified professional experience in a leadership, management, governance, or related role
- Current CV with full employment history, roles, responsibilities, and dates
- Professional Competency Reflection: 2,000 words demonstrating how Level 3 learning has been applied in a real professional context
- Employer verification letter confirming current or most recent role and responsibilities (on organizational letterhead, signed by a senior officer)
CPD
- Minimum 20 CPD hours completed and recorded during the period of Affiliate Membership
- CPD Return submitted via CILG portal must be current and compliant
Referees
- Two (2) referees required
- At least one referee must hold CILG membership at Associate grade (ACILG) or above, or be a senior professional in a relevant governance or leadership role
- Both referees must complete the CILG Referee Declaration Form and submit directly to the Registrar
Other Requirements
- Payment of Associate Upgrade Fee: USD 300
- Signed commitment to CILG Code of Professional Conduct (Associate version)
Associate Member · ACILG
Full Member · MCILG
USD 500
Qualification Evidence Required
- Official CILG Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Governance certificate
- Full Level 4 transcript including Viva Voce result
Professional Experience Evidence
- Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience in total, of which minimum three (3) years must have been in a senior leadership, governance, executive management, or equivalent role
- Comprehensive CV demonstrating progressive career development
- Advanced Professional Portfolio: 3,000–4,000-word document with structured evidence under CILG's six professional competency domains (Leadership Practice, Governance and Compliance, Strategic Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Ethical Practice, and Professional Development)
- Employer or client verification confirming senior-level responsibilities
Viva Voce (Oral Assessment)
Mandatory Oral Assessment
Mandatory oral assessment (45 minutes) conducted by two CILG Assessors (MCILG or FCILG grade). Assesses depth of understanding, professional judgment, and readiness for Full Member designation. A pass mark of 50% is required; result is recorded on official transcript.
CPD
- Minimum 30 CPD hours per year must have been completed and submitted for each year of Associate Membership
- CPD Portfolio (not merely a log) must be submitted showing range, quality, and professional relevance of CPD activities
Referees
- Two (2) referees, both of whom must hold MCILG or FCILG designation
- At least one referee must have direct professional knowledge of the applicant's senior leadership or governance work
Other Requirements
- Payment of Full Member Upgrade Fee: USD 500
- Recommitment to CILG Code of Professional Conduct (Member version)
- Completion of CILG Professional Mentoring Review with an approved CILG Mentor
Full Member · MCILG
Fellow · FCILG
USD 700
Qualification Evidence Required
- Successful completion of all five Level 5 modules, including the Professional Capstone
- Passed Oral Defense before the CILG Examiners Panel
- Official Level 5 Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance certificate
Professional Experience Evidence
- Minimum eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in total
- Minimum five (5) years in a senior or executive leadership, governance, or board-level role
- Demonstrated contribution to the profession: publications, board service, policy contributions, mentoring of junior professionals, institutional leadership, or similar
- Executive Leadership and Governance Portfolio: 5,000-word document demonstrating exceptional professional impact, thought leadership, and contribution to the advancement of the profession
Professional Entry Interview
Mandatory Fellowship Interview
Mandatory interview conducted by a panel of three (3) FCILG Fellows. Panel assesses the candidate's professional standing, contribution to the field, commitment to CILG values, and readiness for Fellowship. Outcome: Pass (with or without conditions) or Defer.
CPD
- Full CPD compliance for minimum three (3) consecutive years as a Full Member, evidenced by annual CPD portfolios
- CPD portfolios must demonstrate breadth, depth, and professional leadership in learning
Mentoring Evidence
- Evidence of active mentoring or professional development support to at least one junior CILG member during the Level 5 period
- Mentoring log and reflective statement required
Referees
- Two (2) existing FCILG Fellows who can attest to the applicant's professional standing, contribution, and suitability for Fellowship
- Fellows acting as referees must not be the applicant's direct employer or a family member
Other Requirements
- Payment of Fellowship Upgrade Fee: USD 700
- Formal recommitment to the CILG Code of Professional Conduct (Fellow version)
- Agreement to participate in the CILG Fellows' Council
1.6
Timelines and Processing
Student → Affiliate
Standard Processing10 working days
Viva / InterviewNone
Certificate IssuedWithin 15 working days of approval
Affiliate → Associate
Standard Processing10 working days
Viva / InterviewNone
Certificate IssuedWithin 15 working days of approval
Associate → Full Member
Standard Processing10 working days
Viva / InterviewViva Voce (45 min) — scheduled during review
Certificate IssuedWithin 15 working days of approval
Full Member → Fellow
Standard Processing10 working days
Viva / InterviewFellowship Interview (60–90 min) — scheduled during review
Certificate IssuedConferment at Annual Ceremony or postal
1.7 Backdating of Membership
Policy Notice: Membership upgrades take effect from the date of formal written approval by the Registrar. Backdating of a membership grade or post-nominal designation is not permitted under any circumstances.
1.8
Lapsed Membership and Reinstatement
A member whose membership has lapsed due to non-payment of subscriptions or non-compliance with CPD requirements must reinstate their membership before applying for an upgrade. Reinstatement conditions are as follows:
| Lapsed Period | Reinstatement Condition | Upgrade Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 months | Pay all outstanding subscriptions plus a reinstatement administration fee of USD 50 | Eligible to apply immediately on reinstatement |
| 12–24 months | Pay outstanding subscriptions + USD 50 reinstatement fee + submit CPD catch-up plan | Eligible after CPD catch-up plan approved |
| Over 24 months | Full re-application at current grade; all outstanding arrears plus USD 100 reinstatement fee; CPD portfolio review | Eligible after full reinstatement review |
1.9
Use of Post-Nominal Designations
Post-nominal designations are the intellectual property of CILG and are licensed to members in good standing. The following rules govern their use:
- Post-nominal designations may only be used by members whose current membership is confirmed and in good standing.
- Designations may be used on business cards, email signatures, LinkedIn profiles, CVs, letterheads, and other professional communications.
- The designation must appear in the format prescribed by CILG: for example, 'John Smith, MCILG' — not 'John Smith (MCILG Member)' or any other variation.
- Use of a designation above one's confirmed grade is a disciplinary offence.
- Members whose membership has lapsed or been suspended must immediately cease use of all CILG post-nominal designations.
- Misuse of CILG designations by non-members is a legal matter and will be referred to CILG's legal representatives.
CILG Designations Reference
AffCILG
Affiliate Member
ACILG
Associate Member
MCILG
Full Member
FCILG
Fellow
Hon.FCILG
Honorary Fellow
Correct Format Example: John Smith, MCILG — not 'John Smith (MCILG Member)' or any other variation.