A competency framework for editors and proofreaders
A benchmark of good practice
for editorial professionals
A competency framework for editors has been produced by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, which aims to provide a benchmark of good practice for those working in editorial professions. Detailing core knowledge and skills for every stage of professional life, the competency framework sets out to help support editors and proofreaders, and highlight gaps in knowledge that can lead to thoughtful CPD and professional progression.
As one of the editors privileged to have worked on this framework, I’m delighted with the results. Here is a short introduction to the document, and how it can help editors and proofreaders, and those who work with them.
Benefits of a professional framework
Since I last wrote an article here, I’ve been helping with the final stages of the CIEP Competency Framework. As a member of the CIEP’s Learning and Professional Development Committee it’s been an exciting time. We’ve been honing and perfecting a framework that will help those who are entering the editorial world as well as professionals, like me, who have reached Advanced Professional Member status.
The framework ‘aims to set the benchmark of what good practice looks like in the editorial profession, and to encourage practitioners to continually develop their skills and competency’.
The benefits of a framework include:
- Understanding where you are in your professional journey
- Understanding the core knowledge and skills needed at each stage of editorial professionalism
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities at each stage
- Understanding where skills may need to be developed and targeted pathways through CDP
The four levels of editorial experience
The competency framework for editors and proofreaders is based around four levels of experience – Exploring, Emerging, Experienced and Expert – and aims to help professionals understand what is typically required at each stage of an editorial career.
You can use the framework to explore your current stage, to understand if there are any gaps in your knowledge, and it can help you to figure out what skills you may need to develop, through CPD or work experience.
You aren’t expected to tick all the boxes, but the framework goes a long way to help understand your own context and what clients, employers, or projects will require from you as a professional in the editorial world.
‘‘The framework is built around three main areas – ‘Working as a professional’, ‘Editorial knowledge and practice’ and ‘Specialist knowledge and skills’.’’
– Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
Awareness of the editorial profession
The content of the framework allows editorial professionals to gain an in-depth understanding of their professional space.
Rather than being a checklist, the aim is to facilitate a deeper knowledge of areas of competence, and guide professional development within the context of each editor’s personal career progression.
As an editor or proofreader, you can use the framework to:
- Identify gaps in your knowledge or editorial skills
- Assess what stage you are in your current career
- Help you plan your CPD
- Help you progress through the stages with confidence
Good practice for editors and proofreaders
The framework sets out good practice for editorial professionals. New editors and proofreaders especially can benefit from a document that sets out skills and knowledge expected by potential employers and clients. Those further on in their careers can use the framework to help progression, professionalism, and efficiency in their field.
I would highly recommend downloading a copy of the competency framework if you are an editorial professional, as it will be a valuable document for career progression. It is freely available and you don’t need to be a member of the CIEP to access it.
If you’re not an editor or proofreader, but might hire one, then I’d also recommend reading the framework. It’s useful to be able to understand what can be expected when you hire a professional.
The competency framework for editors and proofreaders is a useful addition to any editorial cpd toolkit
