As a 55-year old who still holds the ACIOB (largely because my work and personal life prevented my having time to add to my qualifications), I know I will stand accused of having a chip on my shoulder.

However I find it strange that my 40 years in the industry is still not enough to be professionally recognised beyond the level of Associate, when the attainment of a degree (three or four years’ study) without anything like the same level of experience, seems sufficient.