In alignment with the ARMS Strategy Towards 2030, the ARMS Board endorsed in June 2025, the commencement of a comprehensive review of the Society’s professional accreditation programs:

  • Foundation Level Accreditation Program (FLAP)
  • Established Level Accreditation Program (FLAP)
  • Advanced Level Accreditation Program (ELAP)

The review aims to assess the value, relevance, and long‑term sustainability of these programs in meeting the evolving needs of the research management profession.

The scope of the review considers participant and stakeholder feedback, and includes consideration of:

  • relevance and currency of program content
  • effectiveness of delivery models
  • accessibility and inclusivity
  • alignment with ARMS strategic objectives
  • future readiness of the programs
  • registration and completion data
  • operational resourcing and capacity considerations

This review will inform future directions and ensure ARMS accreditation offerings continue to support professional excellence across the research management community.

Uptate - 07 April 2026

Members will be aware that ARMS commissioned a comprehensive review of its Professional Development (PD) offerings to ensure they remain relevant, sustainable and aligned with the evolving needs of the research management community. The review was led by the ARMS Executive Office, supported by a reference group, and informed by extensive member engagement, including surveys and focus groups across the ARMS community. A final report outlining key findings and options was presented to the ARMS Board at its meeting on 6 March 2026.

Following consideration of the report, the ARMS Board has agreed on a clear direction forward, with a shared intent to reset and strengthen ARMS’ Professional Development program over the next period. 

Key highlights

  • Strong support for a reset of ARMS' Professional Development programs to better meet the evolving needs of the community; 

  • Endorsement of work to develop a new, flexible and modular PD framework that supports diverse career pathways across the research management profession; and 

  • Agreement to progress a phased implementation approach, balancing momentum with careful planning and financial sustainability. 

Next steps

The ARMS Executive Office is progressing with detailed scoping of the next stage of work which will be brought back to the Board for further consideration. This work will include: defined delivery stages, timelines, and a structured communication and engagement plan.

Importantly, members will continue to have opportunities to provide input as the new Professional Development framework is shaped. Further consultation, targeted engagement and regular updates will ensure the program reflects member needs and priorities.

Professional Development remains central to the ARMS member experience. We will continue to keep the ARMS community informed as this work progresses and as further decisions are made, and we look forward to ongoing engagement with members throughout this next phase.

 

Update - 24 October 2025

ARMS has made strong progress since launching the Professional Development (PD) Review in August 2025. This strategic initiative is focused on ensuring ARMS’ education and training offerings remain relevant, contemporary, and aligned with member needs.

Phase 1 of the project, covering planning and foundations, is now complete. Key achievements include establishing the Working Group through an open EOI process, confirming Terms of Reference and scope, and engaging
members at the ARMS Conference through the launch of the first PD Review survey, which received over 100 responses.

Phase 2 is now underway, focusing on consultation and data gathering. Activities include an audit of current PD offerings, benchmarking with peer
organisations, and targeted focus group sessions with a cross representation of stakeholders being scheduled for early November. 

Should you wish to contribute and participate in the targeted focus group sessions - please email Mel Trebilcock at
ARMSPEP@researchmanagement.org.au - to note your interest by no later than Friday 31 October 2025.

A second member survey will open mid-November to continue capturing your feedback - please look out for this in your inbox.

Over the coming months, ARMS will consolidate this input into a draft PD framework, supported by benchmarking and consultation findings. A final
report and recommendations will be presented to the ARMS Board in February 2026.

Thank you to all members who have already contributed through surveys and focus groups, your insights are vital to shaping the future of ARMS’ professional
development programs. Stay tuned for opportunities to participate in the next round of consultation.