Why book an accredited speaker?
Anyone can call themselves a keynote speaker. Accreditation is the bit someone else has to agree with — and that’s exactly why it matters to you.
An accredited speaker has been independently assessed and recognised by a professional body against a published standard — for the craft of speaking, for their professional field, or for the learning value of their content. It’s awarded by a third party, not self-declared. That’s the difference between a credible signal and a marketing line.
Why it matters when you’re booking
Booking a speaker is a leap of faith. You’re putting your audience, your agenda and your reputation in someone’s hands for an hour — often before you’ve seen them live. Titles like “keynote speaker” are self-applied; accreditation is external proof that someone has met a standard set by their peers. It lowers the chance of an under-rehearsed, off-brand or tone-deaf session, and it tells you the person takes the craft seriously.
What the accreditations actually signal
- Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association (FPSA) — the UK & Ireland professional body for expert speakers. Fellowship is its highest grade, recognising sustained skill and contribution to the speaking profession.
- Fellow of the Institute of Equality & Diversity Professionals (FIEDP) — recognition from the professional body for EDI practitioners, signalling expertise and a commitment to ethical, evidence-based practice in the field.
- Accredited Speaker, The CPD Standards Office — content independently assessed for structured learning value, so your delegates can log the time as continuing professional development.
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) — fellowship recognising contribution to social progress.
What the process involves
Accreditation isn’t a badge you buy. Depending on the body it means peer assessment, evidence of real-world practice and results, references, a commitment to a code of conduct, and — crucially — ongoing professional development to keep it. It’s designed to be earned and maintained, which is exactly what makes it worth something to you.
Why you should care
- Lower risk. Someone independent has already vouched for the standard.
- Professionalism. Preparation, reliability and care for your brief come as standard.
- Delegate value. CPD-accredited content gives attendees something they can log and use.
- Standards & ethics. Especially in inclusion work, you want someone held to a professional code.
My take
I didn’t collect accreditations for the wall. They reflect a commitment to the craft of speaking and to the field of inclusion — and they mean that when you book me, you’re not taking my word for it alone. You can read the personal story behind them in why I’m proud to be accredited, or see them listed on my about page.
Book a speaker you can be confident in
Book a free 30-minute discovery call and let’s talk about your event, your audience and how I can help — accreditations included.
Book a discovery callFrequently asked questions
What is an accredited speaker?
An accredited speaker has been independently assessed and recognised by a professional body against a published standard — for the craft of speaking, for their professional field, or for the learning value of their content. Accreditation is awarded by a third party, not self-declared, which is what makes it a credible signal rather than a marketing claim.
Why does speaker accreditation matter when booking?
It de-risks the decision. Anyone can call themselves a keynote speaker; accreditation is external proof of professionalism, standards and a track record. For organisers it means a lower chance of an under-rehearsed or off-brand session, and often tangible extras — like CPD-certifiable content your delegates can log.
What is a CPD accredited speaker?
A CPD accredited speaker delivers content that an independent body (such as The CPD Standards Office) has assessed for structured learning value. It means delegates can count time in the session towards their continuing professional development — useful for regulated professions and a sign the content is designed to teach, not just entertain.