Seven grades, one chartered standard
CILGD recognises a clear ladder from Student to Fellow, with Corporate and Honorary categories for institutions and distinguished individuals. Each grade has explicit criteria and approved post-nominals.
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Local Governance and Development, CILGD is open to individuals and institutions committed to local governance, decentralization, public administration, community development, ethical leadership, and sustainable development.
This includes
- ❯Local government officials
- ❯Public servants
- ❯Elected representatives
- ❯Policymakers
- ❯Development practitioners
- ❯Researchers and academics
- ❯Students in public administration, local governance, rural development, or related fields
- ❯NGOs, public institutions, private organizations, and corporate bodies committed to local governance and development
CILGD states that membership is open to persons with academic qualifications and/or practical experience in Public Administration, Local Governance, Community Development, and other related fields.
The grades
- 01
FellowFCILGD
For senior professionals with strong academic and professional experience.
Criteria
Doctorate degree with at least 8 years’ experience, or Master’s degree with at least 15 years’ experience, or Fellowship of another recognized professional body.
- 02
Full MemberMCILGD
For experienced professionals in local governance, public administration, development, or related fields.
Criteria
Doctorate degree with at least 3 years’ experience, or Master’s degree with at least 5 years’ experience, or Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years’ experience.
- 03
Associate MemberACILGD
Suitable for early-career and mid-level professionals.
Criteria
Doctorate degree with at least a year’s experience, or Master’s degree with at least 3 years’ experience, or Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years’ experience.
- 04
Graduate Member
For individuals who hold a university degree or diploma and are interested in building a professional career in local governance and development.
Criteria
University degree or diploma in any discipline. Interest in local governance, public administration, community development, or related sectors.
- 05
Student Member
For students who are currently studying with CILGD or at relevant institutions.
Criteria
Current student status. Study in CILGD, Public Administration, Rural Development, Local Governance, or a related field.
- 06
Corporate Member
For organizations and institutions that support local governance and development.
Criteria
Public institutions, NGOs, private organizations, corporate bodies, and development-focused institutions.
- 07
Honorary FellowHonFCILGD
Awarded to distinguished individuals who have demonstrated long service and outstanding contribution to governance and development.
Criteria
Distinguished long service experience. Notable contribution to governance, leadership, public service, or community development. Annual fee: Free.
Membership conditions & compliance notices
All submitted membership applications, academic credentials, and professional references are subject to thorough independent verification by the Institute’s administration. Any discrepancy, unverified document, or missing reference will delay or halt the admission process.
The final determination and allocation of any membership grade, including fellowship status or professional advancement, is made exclusively by the Membership Committee under the authority of the Governing Board. Decisions are based on institutional standards and peer-evaluation.
The right to use CILGD post-nominal designations (such as FCILGD, MCILGD, or ACILGD) is granted solely to active members in good standing who are fully compliant with continuous professional development (CPD) requirements and annual subscription renewals.
Any unauthorized use of post-nominals, false claims of CILGD membership, or falsified professional designations constitutes an ethical breach and credentials fraud. The Institute reserves the right to trigger disciplinary procedures, public notification, and/or formal legal action to protect the public and the integrity of our standards.