Master Certificate Scheme

Recognising Excellence in the Craft of Upholstery, Soft Furnishings & Funeral Directors

Upholders’ Master Certificate Scheme

Nomination Form

1. Introduction 

The Worshipful Company of Upholders came into existence in 1360 and established as the 49^th livery company in precedence of the City of London. 

Today we nurture talent for the future of our industry by supporting the education of upholstery and soft furnishings students, and we provide help to people in need who are, or once were, involved in the upholstery, soft furnishings and funeral professions via grants, services and support.

The Master Certificate Scheme, in partnership with City & Guilds, aims to recognise excellence and promote career progression from Apprentice Craftsman to Master level. In that recognition the person receiving the award has not only reached the requirement in training and practice but has individually contributed to the industry and supported those working within it.

2. The Route to Awards:

To qualify for a certificate at any of the three levels, the candidate must provide evidence of having achieved an appropriate level of responsibility and having technical knowledge within the sector in which they work. 

• Craftsman Certificate
• Journeyman Certificate
• Master Certificate

3. Application Process:

A panel of professional representatives from the Worshipful Company of Upholders will assess all applications.  Following the submission of all relevant documents and success in the assessment, candidates will receive their Certificate carrying the signature of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Upholders.

4. Requirements to Satisfy Condition for the Master Certificate Scheme:

Anyone who practices the crafts of upholstery, soft furnishings or the funeral professions can be nominated.  The candidate must provide evidence of having achieved an appropriate level of responsibility and have a technical knowledge and skill in the sector in which they work.  They must submit evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) when submitting their Curriculum Vitae and Personal Statement. 

Craftsman Certificate – Candidates should:

• Be enrolled on a course of study leading to a Level 3/AMUSF Stage 3 qualification or have been employed in the upholstery, soft furnishings or funeral professions for a minimum of three years.
• Provide their CV and photocopies of any academic and/or other certificates as evidence of relevant qualifications. 
• Show evidence of the quality of workmanship to the equivalent of a distinction at Level 2/AMUSF Stage 2 endorsed by the candidate’s nominees.
• Two nominated referees must sign the application. These should know the applicant professionally i.e., Manager, Client or Lecturer. 
• Provide two references from employers or clients describing work done within the last 3 years, demonstrating capability and confirming expertise to date.
• Provide a Personal statement of 200-400 words. It should include;
  • A demonstration of a desire to become a Craftsman and to continue with an ambition to become a Journeyman and ultimately become a Master Certificate holder.
  • A review of their working life, briefly describing the main highlights. This might include training awards and qualifications, skills and expertise, fulfilment of individual objectives and accomplishments within their business or employment.
  • Reference to how they meet the Code of Professional Standards

Journeyman Certificate – Candidates should:

• Hold a Level 3/AMUSF Stage 3 qualification at distinction level or the equivalent of 5 year’s full-time employment training.
• Demonstrate excellence and experience in their Craft following their training (normally a minimum of five years of appropriate employment after completing their training).
• Two nominated referees must sign the application. These should know the applicant professionally i.e., Manager, Client or Lecturer 
• Show evidence of the quality of workmanship to the equivalent of a distinction at Level 3/AMUSF Stage 31, endorsed by the candidate’s nominees.
• Provide their CV and photocopies of any academic and/or other certificates as evidence of relevant qualifications.
• Provide evidence of continual professional development (CPD).
• Provide a portfolio of photographic evidence together with professional verification by their nominees.  NB: where available, their professional website/social media may be viewed.
• Provide two references by employers or clients describing work done within the last 5 years, demonstrating capability and confirmation of expertise to date. 
• Provide a Personal statement of 200-400 words. It should include;
  • A demonstration of a desire to become a Journeyman and ultimately become a Master Certificate holder.
  • A review of their working life, briefly describing the main highlights. This might include training awards and qualifications, skills and expertise, fulfilment of individual objectives and accomplishments within their business or employment.
  • Reference to how they meet the Code of Professional Standards2

Master Certificate – Candidates should:

• Hold a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above and/or 
• Be a director, manager, supervisor, lecturer, sole proprietor or experienced craftsman with a minimum of 15 years of appropriate employment since qualifying.
• Provide their CV and photocopies of any academic and/or other certificates as evidence of relevant qualifications.
• Produce a portfolio describing their career to date with photographic evidence of their work within the last 5 years, with evidence of their involvement in teaching or mentoring less experienced craftsmen.
• Provide two references by employers or clients describing work done within the last 5 years, demonstrating capability and confirmation of expertise to date.
• Provide a Personal statement of 400-600 words. It should include;
  • A demonstration of a desire to become a Master Certificate holder.
  • A review of their working life, briefly describing the main highlights. This might include training awards and qualifications, skills and expertise, fulfilment of individual objectives and accomplishments within their business or employment.
  • How they have trained, helped or mentored others in any aspect of the upholstery, soft furnishings or funeral professions.
  • Reference to how they meet the Code of Professional Standards2
• Two nominated referees must sign the application. These should know the applicant professionally i.e., Manager, Client, Lecturer, Co-Director or Professional Associate.

5. Application is by Nomination

We would like to process the application as effectively and efficiently as possible.  Please make sure that the candidate completes and each section as fully as they can providing the information requested.  Please include copies of all certificates as proof of any qualifications claimed and copies of any references.  The Application must be signed by two Nominators and submitted by the Lead Nominator.  The application cannot proceed without this information.

6. The Code of Professional Standards

The criteria for the Master Certificate Scheme are exacting and before being accepted, candidates must conclusively prove their competence.  Part of these criteria is a commitment to its Code of Professional Standards which states that they must:

Perform professionally, competently and responsibly.

To ensure to carry out their own work or supervise the work of others with due regard to technical quality, appropriate insurance cover and the interests of all concerned: Employers, employees and clients; communicating and performing in an acceptable standard and with a duty of care to all concerned.

Safeguard the public interest in the environment and matters of public health and safety.

Take all reasonable care to avoid causing damage to the environment or creating any danger of death, injury or ill-health to any person or damage to property arising from their actions.

Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and codes.

Work in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements and conform to the appropriate British/European Standards and Codes of practice.

Broaden, improve and maintain the skills, knowledge and personal qualities.

Keep up to date with developments in either upholstery, soft furnishings or funeral professions by participating in Continual Professional Development (CPD) and other relevant training activities.

Uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the Master Certificate Scheme

Act professionally and adopt a form of behaviour and appearance that will not cause offence or embarrassment to others.  To maintain the Scheme’s good name and that of the industry generally.

Abide by the Code of Professional Standards

Accept responsibility to comply and co-operate with the Scheme in the operation of its disciplinary procedures and any investigations that may occur as a result.

Closing Date for Applications: 30th November 2025

Please note that if you are unsuccessful this year, you may re-submit applications in future years.