"Shaping the future of our Institute" by Steve Agg FCILT, Chief Executive, CILT(UK)

CILT has been around in its legacy bodies since 1919, received its charter in 1926 and became ILT at the turn of the century. During his presidency Graeme McFall put in place a review of its functions, and came up with the vision that it should be the leading global membership organisation, providing education and development for both individuals and corporations within our range of professions.

CILT's international dimension is mostly based round the old British Empire. The Institute has been perceived as not very welcoming, and membership was declining until the recent introduction of eight professional sectors replacing the previous one of Forums and Faculties.

Now our values are to be inclusive and welcoming, to promote professionalism and high standards, act ethically, inspire individual opportunity, care deeply about the environment and society, and to be vibrant and progressive.

Our goals are to be recognised as the leading voice and communicator within our areas of operation, raising the image and status of our profession and to have a membership which reflects the diversity of our society, to be a provider of standard qualifications, significantly increasing membership by growing individual and corporate numbers, to be recognised as ambassador for CILT International and to generate sufficient funds to fulfil our obligations and make investments for the future.

The proposed changes seek to simplify and clarify our activities, enable speedier decision-taking, improve working practices and future-proof the Institute. Changes to the Institute's Articles require approval by the Privy Council, but those to its bye-laws need just the ratification of the Board.

Replacing the present Council, ten board members are to be elected directly by the membership, with up to four to be co-opted so as to fill gaps in expertise. A new Representative Advisory Group is to represent the nations and regions (including the new Benelux one formed by British expatriates working in the Low Countries), sectors and Young Professionals.

All committees will report to the Board, enhancing democracy and clarifying decision-taking. The aim is to have elections this July/August, election results in September and the new Board in place during October. Informing the Board's deliberations will be Vision 2035 as to how the Institute might evolve by that year.

The Scottish Region thanks our chairman Dougie Adamson for introducing us to an excellent new venue, the McCowan's Brewhouse at Edinburgh's Fountain Park.

Report by John Yellowlees