Our Royal Charter

Established in 1947 as the British Institute of Management, CMI was founded in the wake of the Second World War to help rebuild British industry. Our goal remains the same today as it was then: to raise the quality and standard of management in the workplace. Having developed the very first diploma in management studies, we have remained at the forefront of management training and thinking ever since.

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Management as a profession

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CMI as the standard-bearer for that profession

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Commitment to uphold professional standards

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Award Chartered Status

Chartered status was achieved in 2002, when the Chartered Management Institute was created. The Royal Charter was granted by the Privy Council on 12 February 2002 and came into effect on 1 April 2002.

What does our Royal Charter mean in practice?

First and foremost, it recognises the practice of management as a profession. It identifies the benefits that good management has both on the individual as a career, and for society as a whole by improving our national institutions.

Second, it recognises CMI as the standard-bearer for that profession. Our charter means that we are recognised as the leading authority on management practice.

It formalises our members’ commitment to uphold professional standards and keep their skills and competencies up to date. This is an undertaking contained in the CMI Code of Conduct and Practice and the IC Code of Professional Conduct and Practice.

Most tangibly, our Royal Charter allows us to award Chartered Manager status, the highest accolade for professional managers in the UK. Chartered Managers are committed to upholding our standards and have demonstrated their experience and impact as managers and leaders.

Chartered Manager

Awarded only by CMI, thousands of UK managers at all levels and across all sectors now hold Chartered Manager and highly value it – as shown by the remarkably high net promoter score of +67 and satisfaction and retention rates of 93%, within the Chartered Manager report.

Did you know that the process to become a Chartered Manager can take as little as two weeks? We’ve developed different routes based on your prior experience and qualifications. Find out more below.