Concern over delays and lack of detail in CSD application to set up designer certification scheme

The Privy Council says it still hasn’t received an application from the Chartered Society of Designers to professionally certify designers, three months after the CSD indicated to Design Week that it had been filed (News, DW 28 January).

CSD chief executive Frank Peters (pictured) admitted two weeks ago that those seeking to influence the application were still able to. He said, ’If they send their comments to us, we will consider them.’

Meanwhile, a CSD member who chooses not to be named has contacted Design Week with concerns about the society’s suitability to apply for and to hold a register of chartered practitioners.

’Nobody knows the contents of this application, not even CSD members,’ says the source. ’I want to see the full programme of assessment criteria, which needs to be developed with the collaboration of all the design bodies.’

So far, Peters has revealed that designers would be assessed on their professionalism, skills, knowledge and creativity.

The source adds, ’No single body can say what makes a professional designer, least of all one with only 3000 members who are drawn largely from just two sectors – fashion and graphics.’

He says, ’The current MCSD and FCSD affixes are light assessments, but chartership is hardcore. It is not just about how you wield Quark, and yet the CSD does not have a published programme of study.’