Chairman’s Report: Executive Council

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – FROM EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 27th February 2015

We are just over mid way through our financial year, and so this is gives us the opportunity to measure our performance. In financial terms the Institute is on a firm and even keel, showing a net profit to the end of December 2014 of £ 53 229, with our Head of Finance forecasting a year end profit of about £ 70 000. With the final date for examination entry on 14th February, the March management accounts will be able to give us a much more accurate end of year figure. These figures give much encouragement, and indicate that we are on the right course.

Significantly, despite the austerity budget for travel, between the Head Office staff and senior officers, all the branches have now been visited within the past two years.

Undoubtedly the main event since Controlling Council was the November exams. Conducted as a trial, initial indications are that these were a great success with three times the expected numbers. Though it may take several sets of examinations to make a full analysis, we should congratulate the Head Office for their hard work in achieving these targets and for having the courage to accept this challenge.

Pleasingly this had led to increased applications for membership during a period in the year, which in this respect, traditionally has been less active.

On another positive note, it is good to have Robert Hill FICS as our new Head of Membership. This position has been vacant for nearly half a year. It was important to get the right person in place, and I believe that this has been achieved. This should add to our momentum of improving branch reporting and full transparency. I am sure that you will give him your full support.

It is opportune to remind members of Executive Council that we are accountable to Controlling Council, and that our primary role is to make expedient and timely executive decisions on behalf of Controlling Council. Their attendance and contribution at these meetings are therefore valued and important.

We also have one vacancy on the Executive Council, and will be calling for nominations from all branches for election soon.

Your Controlling Council representatives will have been contacted about our potential dates for the next meeting in November. As branches, if there are issues you feel should be raised at this level, please utilise your Council representative or contact the head office membership team, and we can ensure it is added to our agenda.

My thanks go to Julie and the Head Office team for their ongoing efforts, and making us proud to be members of the Institute.

Richard Brook-Hart FICS