January is naturally the prime time to set out your intent for the year ahead, so I want to begin this new year by letting you know that IEMA has some big plans for 2016.
Quite simply, you are going to see a lot of big changes this year. In a post-COP21 world, IEMA members have more to do, say and deliver than ever before. Now that the Paris pledges have been made, it is up to our profession to turn the talk into real action. That may mean we have to be as disruptive as we are creative – and I know IEMA members can really own that space. Let’s shake things up to make our actions more impactful than ever!
We will be working hard in 2016 to further raise the profile of the profession to ensure business and citizens everywhere know where the expertise is to realise the COP21 commitments. We will use our collective expertise and voice to influence the right areas and educate the media, and ultimately start to transform the economy to one that is sustainable.
Most exciting is our plan to introduce a new structure to the IEMA membership in the months ahead as part of that shake-up to make the institute and the profession fit for the future. The new structure will underpin the broadening of our scope into sustainability, while absolutely safeguarding environmental management as a principle, as a profession and as a core thread in IEMA’s fabric. The new structure, which will have modern and globally relevant standards at its heart, will be more attractive to businesses, recruiters and educators worldwide.
It will make your professional expertise relevant to your employers’ organisational goals. It will result in growth of our network and greater recognition for you. You can expect to see details soon but I can assure you that what we are doing will be exciting and truly innovative.
We are also doing exciting things to power up our networks – the regional, topical and industry-specific groups that will be the catalyst for some dynamic and member-led activity in 2016 and beyond. There are already lots of opportunities to get involved in the networks but this year you should see them really take off. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise over the next 12 months.
It’s going to be a year that sees your IEMA do some brave and impressive things. I can’t wait to work with you to make change happen.
