Following a rigorous four-step exam process Alastair has been awarded Chartered Arboriculturist Status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters. The Institute of Chartered Foresters is the Royal Chartered body for foresters and arboriculturists in the UK.

Members of the Institute are required to uphold the integrity and reputation of the profession of forestry and arboriculture and to safeguard the public interest in matters of safety and health and otherwise and are bound by the Code of Conduct. Chartered status (Chartered Forester and Chartered Arboriculturist) is an award that recognises professional competence and adherence to this Code, through a professional assessment.