The Chartered Teacher programme is now established in Scotland. A pilot project began in September 2007 to introduce Chartered Teacher status as part of a new framework of professional development for teachers in Wales. This raises significant questions relating to professional learning, opportunity to access provision, entitlement, contractual requirements, assessment of evidence, the role of Higher Education and the duration of status with regard to re-certification. In Wales the emphasis is on professional, not monetary, reward for Chartered Teacher status. Swansea Metropolitan University and partners are delivering a number of modules in the pilot, including a route through the assessment of a portfolio of evidence. Our paper will address some key questions and consider how research undertaken by teachers into classroom practice and school leadership may enhance professional learning, improve practice and, where necessary, provide evidence to demonstrate achievement of the standards for Chartered Teacher status.