Nominations open for new IChemE member advisory body

ICHEME is calling on its members to put themselves forward for its new member advisory board, Congress.

Comprising of up to 40 volunteer members elected by their peers, Congress has been established to act as a sounding board and advise IChemE’s Board of Trustees on matters of interest to IChemE and its members. The members of Congress will represent the voice of IChemE’s membership through two electoral colleges; the functional college, with up to 15 seats available; and the regional college, with up to 25 seats available.

The nominations period opened yesterday and will close at 23:59 on Friday 21 September. To qualify as a potential Congress member, IChemE members simply need to be in good standing with the Institution, have the backing of two members from their constituency, and have access to the internet; as most Congress sessions will be held online.

All members who fit the criteria to stand for a seat will receive an email from IChemE’s independent third-party ballot provider, Mi-Voice. It will indicate the seats that they are eligible to stand for and provide clear instructions for members to put themselves forward.

If more valid nominations than vacancies are received, then a ballot will commence in early October following a period of campaigning. It is expected that the inaugural Congress will hold its first meeting at the end of October.

Immediate past president, John McGagh, and IChemE trustee Mark Sutton, have led the process of establishing Congress since June. Together, they have published several resources for members to learn more, including a handbook, role descriptions, and webinars.

McGagh said: “Having been involved in IChemE’s governance reform work from an early stage, I’m delighted to see that we continue to deliver on promises made to modernise the Institution’s governance and improve our member engagement. We are implementing changes supported by 92% of members who voted on governance reforms at our AGM. For our members, Congress means their interests will be better represented, recognised, and promoted in the decision-making process.

This is an exciting time for us. I urge each and every member, from all grades and all parts of the world, to engage, get involved, be the voice of our membership, and help make a difference. It is only with your help that IChemE can truly be led by members, supporting members and serving society.”

Congress was a key element of the proposed changes to IChemE’s Royal Charter and By-laws, which were put to a member vote at the AGM in May. They were backed by over 90% of those who voted and received formal approval from the Privy Council in June 2018.

Members interested in learning more about Congress can visit the website, join in the discussions on Interface, and email any questions to congress@icheme.org.

View role descriptions or the handbook.

A webinar is also available.