Last year, we asked members what you most value about your membership...
Reassuringly, you told us that there is a huge amount you actively use and value daily about your membership; it’s mostly the access to a huge range of learning, development and networking opportunities – connection into the issues and people that make a difference. While there’s lots to celebrate about that, you did let us know there were some areas you would like us to review.
We’ve spent some time addressing the feedback and making the changes you asked for. We’ve already rolled out some of the changes, like the new series of briefings and guidance documents (read about this in the July/August issue of the environmentalist). This is a direct response to your call asking for more practical guidance as and when new regulations, standards and practices come into force. We’ll keep delivering these, and build on it further so you always have access to an important, up-to-date library of ‘how to’ information. Later this year, you’ll see the return of the Practitioner guides. These are in-depth, easy-to access publications that examine work-specific issues to the breadth and depth you need to learn new skills and get on. The new-look Practitioner on change management will be with you in November, and we’ll tell you more about it soon.
More changes – one of the most exciting and significant to spring from your feedback – will come to fruition in September, as we are working to relaunch your membership magazine. The membership survey showed you place significant value on the magazine and what it does to keep you updated and connected. You also said it could do more to address wider issues that affect your work, that the content could be snappier and more digestible, and that you’d like to see more of that ‘how to’ information every issue. We’ve been working for many months to put these changes in place, and we’re almost ready to show you the difference. Read more about it in the July/August issue of the environmentalist but the main thing to note for now is that the magazine will be taking a break in August while we get the finer details in place and cement the new publication schedule. When your magazine reaches you in September, it will look very different, have a fresh new focus and even have a new name that better connects the title to your membership and our collective vision.
I can’t wait for you to see the result of your recommendations. And thank you for letting us know what you need.