By Dean Ferguson, CEO BV Associates Limited

As professionals in health, safety, and sustainability, we know that our industry is constantly evolving to meet new challenges. The recent rebrand of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) to the Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals (ISEP) is a clear reflection of this shift.

This change is more than a new name — it signals a stronger emphasis on sustainability alongside environmental management, ensuring that the institute and its members remain at the forefront of global priorities. In this blog, I’ll break down what the rebrand means for learners, members, and employers, and explain why it’s an exciting step forward for the profession.

From IEMA to ISEP: What the Rebrand Means for You

You may have seen the recent announcement that the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) has officially rebranded to the Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

This significant change marks a new chapter for the organisation and its members, but what does it mean for learners, professionals, and employers who engage with ISEP training and qualifications?

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Why Has IEMA Rebranded?

The rebrand follows extensive consultation with members and stakeholders. The goal was to ensure the organisation’s name better reflects both:

• Its purpose — supporting professionals who lead the way on environmental and sustainability challenges.

• The identity of its members — a community that increasingly works across both environmental management and the wider sustainability agenda.

The updated name brings sustainability to the forefront, while continuing IEMA’s long-standing focus on environmental best practice. In short, ISEP reflects the profession’s growth and the evolving priorities of organisations worldwide.

What Stays the Same?

For learners and professionals, much remains unchanged:

• Course content and quality – All ISEP (formerly IEMA) courses remain the same. There are no changes to learning outcomes, standards, or accreditation.

• Training delivery – Whether you study online, in-person, or via virtual classroom, you’ll receive the same high-quality training experience.

• Membership structure – Levels of membership and entry criteria remain identical.

This means that if you’re already studying or planning to study an ISEP course, you can continue with confidence, knowing that your qualification carries the same recognition and credibility it always has.

What Has Changed?

While the substance remains the same, there are a few important updates:

• Course titles – Updated to reflect the new ISEP name, with some titles refined to highlight sustainability content more clearly.

• Certificates – Any certificates issued after the rebrand will carry the ISEP branding.

• Post-nominals – Membership designations have been updated to align with the new identity:

  • AIEMA → AISEP (Associate Member)

  • PIEMA → PISEP (Practitioner Member)

  • MIEMA → MISEP (Full Member)

Why This Matters

The rebrand signals more than just a new name. It represents the profession’s recognition that sustainability and environmental management are inseparable in today’s world. Organisations are increasingly expected to address issues such as climate change, biodiversity, resource management, and social responsibility alongside compliance and environmental risk management.

By adopting a title that explicitly embraces sustainability, ISEP positions itself — and its members — at the centre of this transformation.

Looking Ahead

For learners and members, the rebrand is an opportunity. Your qualifications and membership now sit within a body that speaks more directly to the challenges and opportunities of modern sustainability practice. Employers, clients, and partners will recognise ISEP as a forward-looking professional body aligned with global priorities.

At the same time, the reassurance remains: whether your certificate says IEMA or ISEP, the credibility, recognition, and quality of your training are exactly the same.

FAQs

Will my old IEMA certificate still be valid?

Yes. All certificates issued under the IEMA name remain valid and fully recognised by employers and industry.

Do I need to reapply for membership under ISEP?

No. Your membership will automatically transfer to ISEP, and your level of membership remains exactly the same.

Do I need to update my CV or LinkedIn profile?

It’s a good idea to update your post-nominals and professional references to reflect the new ISEP identity (e.g. AISEP, PISEP, or MISEP). However, you may want to note “formerly IEMA” during the transition period for clarity.

Has the cost of membership or training changed?

No. Membership fees, course prices, and course content are unaffected by the rebrand.

Will employers recognise the new ISEP post-nominals?

Yes. Employers, clients, and stakeholders will be informed of the change, and the post-nominals remain respected professional designations.

At BV Associates, we welcome this rebrand and the broader recognition it brings to the importance of sustainability in every workplace. Our commitment has always been to deliver high-quality training that empowers professionals to lead with confidence in health, safety, and environmental practices — and now, increasingly, in sustainability too.

As the profession evolves under the ISEP identity, we remain dedicated to supporting learners, employers, and organisations in achieving meaningful, lasting impact through all of our qualifications.

Dean Ferguson

CEO, BV Associates Limited

Wording copy write BV Associates Ltd dtd 18 Sept 25. Image ISEP.