Patrick Heisel OBE | MScCM ChPP
- (1997-2008) Senior Policy Adviser, Department of Education (DfE)
- (2008-2011) Policy & Project Team Leader (DfE)
- (2011-2015) Assistant Policy & Project Director (DfE)
- (2015-present) Project Director
- (2024) Chartered Project Professional
What has the impact been on your career since becoming a Chartered Project Professional?
Becoming chartered has professionalised and endorsed my wide range skills and experience in project management. In turn this has given stakeholders and professionals with whom I work with the confidence and reassurance that I’m current and competent in my field of project management and can deliver. It has also widen my network amongst professionals in my field to help learn from each other’s experiences and share best practice.
What does being chartered mean to you?
It means I have met a high standard which has been independently assessed in my field of expertise symbolising a mark of quality. This has added to my self-confidence and ability to further my knowledge and skills through continued professional development and keep up-to-date on the latest development in project management. It has also opened up further opportunities to deliver projects in other areas.
What are your tips for applying to become ChPP?
Read all the information on the different routes and competency criteria in good time. Decide when would be a suitable time to apply to enable you to fill any gaps in your experience or knowledge. Try to connect with others who have applied and attend all the helpful induction session on how to apply and what to expect at the interviews. Allow enough time to complete the application for instance I focused on developing and completing one competency submission per day giving each competency the time and quality it deserved.
Why would you recommend becoming a Chartered Project Professional?
It is a mark of quality and an independent endorsement of your experience, achievement and skills which puts you on par with other chartered professions and help to make an impact!