How to write a good Professional Review Report

for CEng Applicants

Introduction

A good professional review report (PRR) is the key to a successful application. It is the showcase on
what you, as an engineer, have achieved. It might also form the basis of questions you might be
asked at professional review interview, should your PRR be accepted.

This document is divided into guidance on: the format of a PRR; an explanation on what reviewers
are looking for when it comes to each Initial Professional Development (IPD) requirement; and
frequently made errors.

Format of a PRR

Your Professional Review Report should clearly demonstrate how you have achieved each IPD
objective for CEng Registration.

There are five Engineering Council IPD objectives, each with sub-objectives. They are:

A. Use a combination of general and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding to

optimise the application of existing and emerging technology.
B. Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of
engineering problems.
C. Provide technical and commercial leadership.
D. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.
E. Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising one’s obligations
to society, the profession and the environment.

It is essential you read carefully and understand the IPD objectives and sub-categories prior to
commencement of the PRR.

Writing your PRR

There is no fixed way of writing the PRR, however it is essential that:

a) You provide clear and specific evidence (typically in the form of a series of career episodes
or case studies) of how you have achieved each IPD objective. Evidence will not be by
reviewers inferred, and statements of competence do not constitute evidence.

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 b) You indicate clearly to the reviewers which IPD objectives each part of each career episode
is being cited as demonstrating compliance. This is done by cross referencing IPD objectives
(e.g. A1, D2, E3) in the right hand margin immediately adjacent to the relevant career
episode statements.
c) You limit the PRR content to only that which is required to evidence achievement of IPD
objectives (i.e. background information and discussion should be limited).

Length

A PRR should not be less than 3,000 words and not exceed 6,000. While reviewers do not check the
word count, less than 3,000 words usually has insufficient evidence and 4,000 to 5,000 should be
adequate to provide sufficient evidence.

Pictures and diagrams can be provided within the PRR, however make them relevant to the career
episodes. Make sure you take due cognisance of any intellectual property or copy right restrictions
on any images you use (note competency A2).

Remember that the quality, clarity, relevance and succinctness of your report will also form part of
the review (i.e. IPD objective D1).

Career Episodes

There is no upper or lower limit to the number of career episodes: you should provide as few or as
many as are required to demonstrate the IPD objectives in sufficient range. Specifically, it is
recommended that you demonstrate your full range of competence in IPD objectives A1 and A2 (e.g.
not all fire ground experience or sprinkler design for example).

Career episodes do not have to be project specific. It is possible to have case studies that relate to a
specific experience, perhaps authorship of a guidance document, delivering a training programme,
a relevant sabbatical or setting up an IFE branch, company or trade body.

When reviewing your PRR, the reviewers assess for each IPD objective whether your PRR provides:

♦ Insufficient evidence of achieving the required standard.

♦ Awareness only of the objective.
♦ Sufficient evidence of having achieved the required standard.
♦ Strong evidence of having achieved the required standard.

Based on the above assessment, each reviewer determines whether you have provided sufficient
evidence across all IPD objectives to proceed to interview. Sufficient or strong evidence across all IPD
objectives would be sufficient to proceed to interview. However, if there are some IPD objectives

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where insufficient evidence has been provided or there is awareness only of the objective, it is also
possible to proceed to interview if it is considered that on balance the PRR as a whole provides
sufficient evidence. Typically, this might be if it is felt that adequate evidence could be obtained
through interview.

Explanation of the Competency and Commitment Standards

We have provided below short example evidences for each IPD objective. However, Fire Engineering
is a broad discipline, and you should not feel constricted by these examples. Instead demonstrate in
your own way and your own words how you have achieved these competencies in your professional
career.

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A1 - Maintain and extend a sound theoretical approach

Examples of extending an approach:

♦ As part of my continual professional development, I identified that insufficient research was

available on sprinkler zone valves. In conjunction with my employer and my local university,
I obtained funding to commence a research based masters on the performance of valves
in adverse weather conditions. This masters involved significant experimentation on the
performance of the valves under….

You should go on to provide specific examples of what you have learned.

♦ While undertaking the refurbishment of a warehouse project I identified the insurers

required the scheme to be undertaken to the U.S as well as Australian standards. I identified
a limit of my knowledge on U.S. engineering codes relating to the design of warehouses. I
researched online using sources such as the NFPA and SFPE websites to identify the
relevant codes. I subsequently identified a training course I was able to attend….

You should go on to provide evidence of how you assessed the relevance of each code
requirement in an engineering context.

♦ Having been asked by a client to investigate the potential failure rates of fire doors, I
identified that the quickest method to ascertain this was to use Monte-Carlo modelling. I
identified an appropriate software package and using their online tutorial system as well as
reviewing the user manual and case studies I was able to become fluent in the use of the
software.

You should go on to explain the assessments you conducted in respect of relevance, validity
and limitations of the software (i.e. that you are a knowledgeable user as opposed to
someone who can simply run the software to get results).

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A2 - Engage in creative and innovative development

♦ Having identified that a number of retail premises were failing to comply with the
Regulatory Reform Order with regards the blocking of emergency escape routes, I put
together a business plan to provide the local small retailers a simple guide to undertaking
risk assessments in the form of a short plain English guide. I approached both the local
traders association to identify market need as well as a potential ‘client’ base to contact…

♦ While working on a number of warehouse projects, I identified that our current

technological capability in relation to production of sprinkler zones valves could be
improved by the application of material that is otherwise more typical of the aerospace
industry. I subsequently reviewed a number of leading aerospace journals discussing the
material as well as arranged a technical meeting with the materials UK supplier to review
the materials test data against our capabilities and limits.

♦ While working on the airport terminal, I became aware that due to the complex nature of
the smoke extract system and air conditioning system there was the potential for conflict
and ductwork clashing. I arranged for a number of meetings with the Mechanical Engineer
and Structural Engineers to discuss potential ductwork routes and structural options which
would enable the design objectives for all three parties to be reached by…..

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B1 – Identify potential projects and opportunities

♦ While meeting a contractor, I noted the potential for us to offer our building control services
on projects outside of our geographical area. I put together a business plan looking at the
potential costs for travel (e.g. mileage and trains) and additional travel time as well as
staffing and other costs to enable us to produce an appropriate fee and checked this
against other similar projects to ensure that the resulting fee was still viable. I put together
a short fee and marketing document identifying the fee as part of the tender process.

♦ Once my business plan for the new explosion rig was approved by the Board, I commenced
putting together a detailed specification of the components based on my proposed design.
I ensured that the detailed specification covered the method of construction and the need
for accredited products in detail due to the potential risks of the deliberate or accidental
replacement of components with incorrect….

♦ As part of our consultation role under the Building Regulations, I was asked by the Building
Control Authority to review the new £500M airport terminal building. I was conscious of the
contractor’s tight timescales for delivery. I then commenced a review of my current fire
engineering teams work load and put together an action plan and detailed programme
prioritising the different projects by deadline, geographical location, proposed staff
holidays….

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B2 – Conduct appropriate research and undertake design and development

♦ As part of the fire engineering strategy for the new terminal building, I was asked to review
areas where we could reduce ongoing operational expenditure (OPEX) cost. I determined
that the best method to do this was to research patterns in the last 20 years annual
maintenance budgets for the existing terminal. Having arranged access to this information,
I identified that there was an issue with the replacement of fire doors along the back of
house corridors and service areas which was costing in the region of £500,000 every three
years. Having considered the research from the existing terminal, I reviewed the proposed
compartmentation design and developed it to reduce…

♦ Having reviewed recent guidance on heat stress, I identified an appropriate research

methodology involving heart rate and body temperature monitors using which I could
assess my teams performance during routine training exercises. Having obtained approval
from my Station Officer based on my proposed research methodology, which including my
participant information form and ethical statement, I was able to assess the impact on 15
different personnel over ……

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B3 – Manage implementation of design solutions and evaluate effectiveness

♦ At tender stage in a project, I noted that, due to the lobby layout, only one air release path
from the stair pressurisation system could be achieved whereas BS EN 12101-6
recommended two air release paths in case of positive wind pressure. This represented a
non-compliance to BS EN 12101-6 and AD-B. I undertook a technical assessment and
proposed an alternative solution. In order to determine the acceptability of the alternative
approach I consulted the research underpinning the guidance and a façade wind loading
engineer to further understand the issues and assist in a solution. I determined that the
prevailing wind conditions would be unlikely to cause an issue, and that if a wind of a
certain speed was exceeded in the worst case direction, this would lead to pressurisation of
both the stair and inner lobby, thus bolstering the pressurisation design of the overall
resilience to the stair core. I presented the solution to the client, technical designer and to
the approval bodies and on the basis of my presentation, all parties agreed that the
solution met the performance criteria and was a robust basis for design.

♦ Due to incoming requests for CFD analysis work which had largely repeatable geometry, I
suggested that sensitivity cases could be tested to enable efficiencies in future modelling. I
set up and ran various models and established the model types that should be tested to
ensure that a conservative result is achieved whilst providing an efficient solution in terms
of computing resource, client cost and engineering checking time. By trialling different
ceiling heights and geometries I was able to collate the results and established the critical
cases which should be tested…..Thus I was able to recommend an optimal set of scenarios
to be tested for each incoming project which provided a more reliable base of sensitivity
analysis for presentation and a more cost effective solution for the client.

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C1 – Plan for effective project implementation

♦ I drafted a scope of work and fee proposal for the project, agreeing levels of limit of liability
and PI with the client, following a company finance training course…

♦ I came under pressure from the client to assist in a non-compliance issue but with no
additional fees. However I secured agreement to an additional fee to undertake a
technical assessment and propose a solution after making a phone call to the client to
explain what needed to be done.

♦ As the project was in a conservation area, I identified that it was necessary for me to
consult with Heritage England, the local conservation officer as well as building control and
the fire service in order to identify their concerns with regards to the removal and
replacement of the sprinkler system to bring it up to the necessary standards I had
identified during my design evaluation of the refurbishment. It was necessary to negotiate
between the two conflicting views of the conservation officer, who required the existing
sprinkler pipework to remain in situ and the building control officer who required
appropriate test certification which I resolved by agreeing that the existing pipework could
be removed and tested….

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C2 – Plan, budget, organise, direct and control tasks, people and resources.

♦ I was requested to assist with the immediate actions, such as co-ordinating staff to witness
tests of the functionality of the automatic fire alarm system. In order to do this I managed
a team of 10 engineers per day on site to coordinate, observe and report, including
determining areas to test….

♦ Using sub-teams for each specialism I oversaw the development of “performance

requirements” for different components of the fire safety systems in terms of
documentation, process audit, implementation checks, physical performance tests,
coordination and design reviews.

♦ Having undertaken a number of designs for the sub-contractor, I developed a feedback

and summary sheet for submission to the onsite installation teams to evaluate any
difficulties they had in both the installation and commissioning. Having reviewed these
comments, it became apparent that the provision of the sprinkler zone valve in close
proximity to the wall created issues with fixing and I not only briefed my team on the results
of this evaluation but put together a paper on the findings which I put forward to the
technical control group for distribution to the whole company.

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C3 – Lead teams and develop staff to meet changing technical and managerial needs

♦ I took the opportunity to enable one of my colleagues to gain experience of site inspection
work. After leading the fire risk assessment during the first part of the building, I later
supervised him leading the risk assessment, and provided assistance as required. I
focused on spending time doing this as part of my own appraisal objectives, which
included developing my team working and leadership skills. In doing this, I was able to
receive constructive and useful feedback on my ability to do this, to both demonstrate my
competency in the area and identify how I could do this more effectively in future.

♦ A complaint had been raised with regards to the performance of a colleague within my
team about having missed deadlines. Despite numerous informal discussions, including
having reviewed his work load to see if I could assist in ensuring he had sufficient time and
resources, I felt this issue needed formal disciplinary action. Having consulted with Human
Resources first, I arranged a formal meeting with him and provided him with a verbal
warning regarding his conduct.

♦ With the increase in development of our working in different statutory environments and
due to some high profile cases both here and abroad, I decided it was necessary for all our
staff to have a refresher on the UK Bribery Act (2010). I arranged for a Partner in one of the
legal companies we employ to come in for a two hour CPD presentation and question and
answer session. This assisted in reinforcing our team’s commitment to professional
standards when dealing with the production of tenders.

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C4 – Bring about continuous improvement through quality management

♦ I led a team of four engineers to conduct a review of a mixed use tower according to
International Building Code, providing each engineer with a different aspect of the design
to check, a methodology for reporting the findings, an allocated time resource in workload
planning and a programme of ongoing monitoring milestones to enable continuous quality
assurance throughout the assessment.

♦ As project manager I was responsible for ensuring the engineers’ understanding of the
principles to be checked during the review, which I did via workshop sessions with each
engineer to ensure that they knew what was required and how to go about it. As part of
the company QA procedures, I planned for my own time for detailed checking of work by
each engineer then time for approval sign off by a chartered engineer prior to issue.

♦ Having reviewed the design with the contractor and having ensured the recommended
changes had been made, I realised that this could be suitable for registering under the
LABC Registered Details scheme. This is a one-off certification process proving compliance
with building regulations and standards, enabling the contractor to ensure acceptance by
all local authorities. I undertook the lead role in assisting the contractor through the
registered details process thus ensuring that the best practice would be promoted
throughout her organisation.

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D1 – Communicate in English with others at all levels

♦ Having produced the cause and effect document as well as associated specification and
drawings for the fire alarm system. I identified the potential impacts on the operation,
future use and maintenance of the cruise ship, so I chaired a series of six fire alarm forums
with the operations team, maintenance and facilities management teams as well as the
interior designers and retail consultants to demonstrate the key outcomes of the cause
and effect, the requirements of the fire alarm system. These sessions included question and
answers sessions as well as a general advice forum.

♦ Having recognised the benefits that closer links to fellow engineers could bring to the fire
industry in the midlands, I contacted the presidents of six of the local engineering
institutions and proposed a series of free CPD sessions based on knowledge transfer and
engagement. I chaired all six of these meetings, recording attendees and arranging the
publication of the sessions onto Youtube.

♦ Having reviewed the CFD modelling strategy produced by the consultant, I prepared a
letter detailing my concerns regarding the design assumptions and having had this peer
reviewed by a colleague submitted it. Further to the consultant’s response to my letter,
which did not alleviate my concerns, I arranged a meeting between all parties to exchange
views on the design assumptions and negotiate a way for the project to move forward.

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D2 – Present and discuss proposals

♦ Having identified a shortfall within the projected future project figures for the East Africa
team, I prepared a presentation to the board on a new marketing strategy as a pre-amble
to a subsequent discussion on how to deliver this. I recorded the outcome of this discussion
within my business plan and flew over to meet the East Africa office and feedback the
results.

♦ As a result of the coroner’s inquest and subsequent to the publication of their report, I
presented a series of presentations to all the local Station Officers to raise their awareness
of risk of the potential for this event to occur and the need to consider it within the dynamic
risks assessments made when attending an incident.

♦ As part of our marketing strategy, I put together and presented a series of CPD
presentations on the topic of sprinkler zone valves to all the local M&E companies. In order
to ensure that I received feedback on the content and presentation of the CPD, I issued
feedback forms on the day as part of the application for a CPD certificate. While comments
were generally positive, I received negative feedback on pace of the presentation and
made changes to ensure it was slower in key areas.

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D3 – Demonstrate personal and social skills

♦ The meeting with the East Africa office was initially very negative as my colleagues were
frustrated and concerned about the risks of downsizing and unemployment. However, I took
due regards of their concerns on this issue and identified a number of key areas where we
could work together to resolve the issue and increase productivity. With a follow-up
meeting 3 months later on, where I was able to issue draft revised figures, we now have a
stronger working relationship within the office.

♦ While in the middle of the project, one of my colleagues became a father and needed
additional time off to provide support and childcare. He didn’t feel he was getting the
support from his line manager but I discussed his needs and concerns informally with him
and was able to put forward some suggestions on how I could provide some additional
resource and assistance by handing over projects that required less travel. With his
permission, I then approached our line manager with him to discuss the proposal formally.

♦ Having identified the need for additional resource for the project, I discussed the issue with
my team. I was aware of the forthcoming holiday schedule and agreed that the project
work could be subdivided into the production of computational modelling and fire strategy
report between my team, while I undertook a leadership role and reviewing responsibilities
ensuring that the two work streams continued along the same design paths.

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E1 – Comply with relevant codes of conduct

♦ Prior to commencing the fire engineering strategy for the existing and listed building, I
reviewed the functional requirements of the Building Regulations 2010 (Statutory Instrument
No. 2214) as well as the Historic England Guide on Looking after Historic Buildings. This
enabled me to determine the legal framework as well as determine the necessary design
considerations for the works.

♦ Having received the contract document from the client, I reviewed the document and
identified that I would not be able to sign the document as it contained a clause providing
uncapped liability and did not include for a net contribution clause. Having discussed it
with the client, it was apparent that the contract was a modified version of one used by a
contractor and not suitable. I suggested the ACE Short Form Agreement 2015 as a more
appropriate contact for our services.

♦ Having been made aware of the shortage of members of the Special Interest Group on
Competency and Ethics, I volunteered my services to the Chair while at the Institution of
Fire Engineers AGM. I have been assisting on the production of the policy with regards to
‘continual professional development post retirement’ for those engineers who continue with
their membership.

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E2 – Manage and apply safe systems of work

♦ After undertaking an internal training course on the Health and Safety at Work Act, I now
routinely audit the risk assessments produced by my team prior to them attending site.
Where I believe risks have been insufficiently documented, I request additional information
from the contractor prior to allowing them onsite.

♦ While no official health and safety legislation is enacted within one of the jurisdictions of
the East Africa team, we have adopted a best practice based approach combining our
parent companies plans derived from US Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. I
provide ‘train the trainer’ induction and briefing sessions on a 6 monthly basis, and
regularly audit completed paperwork when present onsite on randomly selected current
and former projects.

♦ Prior to attending site, I ensure that a risk assessment has been undertaken identifying the
health and safety requirements (such as the need for personal protective equipment and
the type required) as well as any other site related risks, such as areas where asbestos is
present.

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E3 – Undertake sustainable engineering

♦ While the client was initially reluctant to consider the provision of sprinklers within the
building, we discussed the social and economic outcomes of a fire occurring within his
warehouse development. We undertook a risk basis analysis using BS 7974 PD-7 to
determine the potential fire loss of a sprinklered fire against an unsprinklered fire and
probabilities of this occurring.

♦ Having assessed the design, we were able to remove the need for fire dampers from the
scheme by relocating the compartment lines away from areas with large numbers of ducts
without affecting business continuity or life safety. This reduced the number of fire dampers
required in the scheme. As well as reducing the economic cost with regards to future
maintenance, it also had an environmental benefit to the scheme as it reduced the
consumption of material as well as the separate transport of dampers to site (estimated at
10 additional deliveries). Due to the close proximity to a residential estate, reducing
deliveries decreased the impact of the site on the neighbouring residents.

♦ The site was located adjacent to a site of special scientific interest as it is a breeding
ground for great crested newts. While there was no statutory requirement to consider this,
we noted that potential fire water run-off, if there was a fire, would spill into the adjoining
breeding ground potentially killing the newts. To avoid this we suggested incorporating a
bund and drainage away from the site by incorporating it within a proposed boundary wall,
which could be done with minimal additional cost.

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E4 – Carry out and record CPD

♦ Having discussed my colleague’s development at their 6 monthly appraisal, I suggested

that her development action plan should include for training on sprinkler zone valves.
Having recently completed by Masters in the subject, I was able to provide her with a 2
hour CPD and Q&A session on the subject.

♦ Having noted my need to develop my negotiation skills in my development action plan, I

researched potential CPD providers. I identified and attended two over the course of the
year and subsequent to this was able to modify my development action plan accordingly.

♦ Having been informed of a planned restructure of the Council due to cost cutting, I re-
evaluated my development action plan to include for the need to learn more about the
requirements of health care as my new role would include assessment of the local hospital.
I noted the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management were running
regular branch events and I arranged reciprocal rights for IFE members and attending the
relevant branch events relating to fire.

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E5 – Exercise responsivities in an ethical manner

♦ Having been approached to review a structural fire engineering design by a client, I

informed the client I would not be able to undertake it as I am only able to perform services
in areas of current competence and I am not currently experienced enough to undertake
peer reviews in this area.

♦ At a branch meeting, one of my colleagues noted that we were both tendering for the
same project. On identifying this, I noted that we could no longer discuss the issue to
ensure that there was no improper influence of the tender process.

♦ The client asked if I could amend the results of my risk assessment of a school premises to
remove the outcome which suggested sprinkler provision by amending the value provided
with regards to consequence to society. I informed him that in my opinion the value was
correct and would not be able to do so.

♦ I regularly present to my local primary school on community fire safety. I am conscious of

the need to have increased representation of all groups in society within engineering and
ensure that I promote engineering as a positive career path for all students. I regularly
follow up these presentations with examples of positive role models by drafting in my local
fire cadets.

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Frequently Made Errors

Many similar errors are made in PRRs by unsuccessful and even successful applicants. The most
common ones are listed below, as well as advice on how to avoid them:

1) Review and assess your own application

Check your application for typing errors and consistency. Badly worded PRRs are not likely to
score highly for D1 – communicate with others.

2) Be honest with yourself

If your application is weak in several core competencies consider how it can be improved,
rather than just submit it and hope. Seek advice from your referees. As Chartered Engineers,
they should be able to offer input and advice.

This may necessitate looking at different case studies as your examples or even delaying
the application and focusing your professional development towards areas of weakness.
Chartered Engineers are expected to already meet the competencies and reviewers are not
looking, nor allowed, to judge your potential to meet them.

It is recommended that you do not submit a PRR where you make no reference to either a
core competency or even one of the ranges. Such a submission is less likely to be accepted
by the reviewers.

If you are struggling, it is worth noting that there is no hierarchy between Chartered
Engineers, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians. They are reflective of roles
engineers undertake. If you believe your application may not be sufficient to meet all the
competencies for Chartered Engineer, you should review against Incorporated Engineer or
Engineering Technician rather than simply give up. The IFE will be happy to help advise you
on this if you need additional assistance.

3) Use of the first person.

The PRR is a personal statement reflecting what YOU have undertaken as an engineer. Avoid
the use of ‘we’.

Statements should always reflect YOUR involvement.

Incorrect Correct

My client tasked us to undertake the Having discussed the project brief with my
project and we delivered it on time and client, I determined the necessary
budget.

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 resources and personnel to deliver the
project on time and budget.

The later statement could then be subsequently expanded on how YOU organised and led
the team (C2). Perhaps you also needed to train or mentor personnel (C3), presented and
discussed the results (D2) and or maintained a working relationship and resolved a conflict
(D3) either internally or externally.

4) Failing to understand the competencies

Read the guidance documents and UK Engineering Council specification with regards to
competencies. A common error is to randomly allocate competencies against your text, this
not only doesn’t assist the reviewers, who may miss key points during the review, but casts
doubt on your professional ability if you aren’t able to read and follow the relevant
documentation.

Trying to use key words which mirror that of the core competency standards can be a useful
way of focusing both your and the reviewers attention to the competency you are claiming
for.

For example, when claiming competency for A1, an applicant may wish to state that “I
identified the limit of my personal knowledge when I had the opportunity to contribute to a
live discussion on smoke extract systems. Prior to attending the event I reviewed fifteen
relevant conference papers as well as two national standards” rather than state “I didn’t
know much about the topic of smoke extract for the conference I was told to speak at, so in
a panic I read everything with ‘smoke extract’ in the title, I could find.”

Don’t over use it however, reviewers will not look kindly on an applicant who is simply
parroting back the engineering council specification wrapped around a case study.

5) It is not a technical report

It is a document showing how you meet the core competencies in relation to given case
studies and should be written accordingly.

One useful technique is to first draft the PRR as a series of bullet points relating to each of
the competencies you are claiming for a particular case study and to then fill in the case
study with explanatory and connecting text, as your second draft. This is prior to a third
review and edit.

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 This allows you to quickly identify areas where you are weak or missing competencies at an
early stage, allowing you to think about changing case studies, or providing additional case
studies demonstrating your competency.

Do not write the case studies and then try to fit the competencies around the written case
study. This approach almost invariably fails with too much emphasis on one or two
particular core competencies (e.g. A or B) and under emphasis on the others.

6) Making assumptions of the reviewer

Fire Engineering is a broad discipline, so never assume that the reviewers will give you credit
for a competency without explanation. They are trained not to make assumptions but
instead look at your demonstration of the competencies you are claiming.

Incorrect Correct

I have been a consulting fire engineer for 10
years (A1, A2, B2 and B3)
As a consulting engineer, I have had the
opportunity to develop new engineering
theories and techniques on smoke
movement in corridors thanks to my
involvement with a leading academic
establishment. I undertook extensive CFD
modelling and scale modelling…… (A1).

This example also shows another problem with insufficient evidence, the applicant has
claimed four competencies for a single paragraph. Aim for at least a paragraph per
competency claimed and try not to put more than one competency per any single
paragraph, even if it covers two areas. It is better to reword and flesh both of them out with
additional description.

7) Excessive text
A common misconception is that if the applicant writes enough, they can score points
simply on volume of text produced. Unfortunately this isn’t the case, reviewer’s judge on the
content and not the volume. Excessive text is simply likely to cause a reviewer to overlook
key points you are trying to make.

We advise that:
• You keep to the recommended word count. Reviewers can refuse to review
excessive applications which will cause delay.

Issued: 05/2017 Page 23 of 24 Doc name: 8-5a How to write a good PRR
 • Try to avoid repetition of identical case studies hoping that reviewers won’t see the
shortcomings in the application in regards to missing competencies. Within the
review process reviewers will be able to identify quickly missing competencies.
• Try to minimise the amount of text you provide that doesn’t demonstrate a core
competency. No more than a paragraph of text is usually necessary as an
introduction to a career episode.

Reviewers do not need to be provided with a complete list of every project you have worked
on. Only those projects on which you plan to use as part of the career episodes and the
assessment of competencies.

Sometimes applicants include a statement outlining how that have got to where they are
now. This can be informative but must be concise unless it is being used against a
competency.

8) Use of attachments
Reviewers do not read attachments, project reports or other text provided as an attachment
to the application form or the PRR. If you have a statement to make it must be included
within the PRR.

Reviewers do not need to see company organisational charts or your development action
plans unless you are providing them specifically to address a competency.

Issued: 05/2017 Page 24 of 24 Doc name: 8-5a How to write a good PRR