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Standards Council

Upholding Excellence in Executive Management & Leadership

The supreme governing body responsible for setting, maintaining, and evolving the professional standards of management executives worldwide.

The SOME Standards Council

The SOME Standards Council stands as the bedrock of professional excellence in executive management and leadership. Through its multifaceted governance functions, the Council ensures that the profession maintains the highest standards of practice, ethics, and continuous improvement. Its work guarantees that SOME credentials represent meaningful differentiators in the marketplace and that certified executives deliver exceptional value to organisations, shareholders, and society.

All professionals under the SOME umbrella are called to recognise the authority of the Standards Council and to uphold the standards it establishes. Through collective commitment, we advance not only individual careers but the entire field of executive leadership.

"The Council serves as the authoritative voice in defining what it means to be an exemplary executive leader in the 21st century."
— SOME Standards Council Charter
Standards Council

Council Mandate & Functions

Standard‑Setting Authority

Exclusive jurisdiction over competency frameworks, ethical guidelines, and performance benchmarks for executive management practice – all undergo systematic review and validation.

Accreditation Oversight

Absolute authority over accreditation of academic programs, professional certifications, and institutional practices – including peer reviews and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Ethical & Disciplinary Functions

Adjudicates professional conduct, investigates violations, conducts hearings, and imposes sanctions – up to and including revocation of credentials.

Certification Standards

Defines requirements for all SOME certifications (CME®, CEL®, CGE®, Digital Executive, etc.) – including examination blueprints, passing standards, and job task analyses.

CPD Framework

Prescribes mandatory continuing professional development – approves providers, validates activities, and monitors compliance through a centralised tracking system.

International Alignment

Represents SOME in global forums, negotiates mutual recognition agreements, and ensures global portability of credentials while maintaining contextual relevance.

Composition & Governance

The SOME Standards Council comprises distinguished practitioners, eminent academics, and thought leaders of unimpeachable professional standing – including former CEOs, board chairs, senior government officials, and renowned management scholars. Members are appointed through a rigorous selection process based on demonstrated expertise, contributions to the field, and unwavering commitment to ethical practice.

The Council operates under a formal charter that delineates its powers, responsibilities, and operational protocols – ensuring transparent and accountable governance. Council members serve fixed terms to allow regular infusion of new perspectives, while a structured succession plan retains institutional knowledge through an emeritus category.

18 Distinguished Members

From 12 Countries

Council Members

Research, Transparency & Stakeholder Engagement

Annual Reports

Full transparency of activities, decisions, and rationale for standard changes.

Stakeholder Forums

Regular dialogues ensure standards remain responsive to evolving industry needs.

Appeals Process

Formal channels allow affected parties to challenge Council decisions with due process.

Engage with the Standards Council

For inquiries regarding standard‑setting, accreditation, ethics complaints, or to propose a collaboration – contact the Council Secretariat.