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AT ITS meeting in Blackpool on 30 June 2008, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) International General Assembly elected Neil Gibbins as leader and Tony Lawson as vice leader. They take over from Peter Holland, who has held the post of leader since the International General Assembly was formed in 2003, and James Marsden, who has served as vice leader since 2006. Peter and James continue to represent the General Assembly on the Board of Directors. The Board looks forward to working with Neil and Tony to build on the achievements of Peter and Jim, supporting IFE branches around the world.
Board of Directors
The results for the election of the Board of Directors resulted in the re-election of John Judd and Bill Cox and the election of Russ James. Thanks go to Colin Todd for all his work during his term on the Board, and to David Paton and Michael Quy for participating in the election and their valued and continued support.
IFE in India
It was a pleasure to welcome Mr G B Menon to the General Assembly meeting in Blackpool. Mr Menon, a Life Fellow of the Institution, has long been associated with the IFE in India and, working with Charles Chu, has recently facilitated the arrangements for the re-establishment of the Eastern India Branch, based in Kolkata, and the Southern India Branch, based in Chennai. They join the established branches in Delhi (Northern India), Mumbai (West India) and Goa (South West Branch).
It is hoped that, as a result of these re-established branches, we shall see renewed interest in the Institution generally and that representatives of the branches in India will attend future International General Assembly meetings. IFE international president Paul Richardson is making arrangements to re-inaugurate the two branches in September, and I am sure he will report on his progress.
AGM and conference
I would like to echo the comments of the international president in thanking all those who made the IFE annual general meeting and conference – held in Blackpool after the General Assembly meeting – such a success. The sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, speakers, delegates, and staff of Lancashire and Rescue Service, the hotel and the Institution all played a part in what proved to be a most informative and enjoyable event.
The feedback I have personally received from many of those who attended has been very positive. It is a sure sign of a successful conference when the final session is as well-attended as the first, and the quality and quantity of debate continues long after the formal sessions are over. Well done everyone.
Staffing
I have to report a number of developments in the staffing arrangements at the Institution’s head office. On 30 May 2008, Ellen Jessett left her post as chief executive officer of the Institution, following a long period of absence since October 2007. A recruitment and selection process has commenced to appoint her successor. In the meantime, Louise Craig will assume the duties of chief executive officer with effect from 1 August 2008.
Professional development officer Helen Griffiths has decided not to return to her post following maternity leave. The Board is looking at the most appropriate staffing revisions to take account of the developing workload in communications, examinations and registration. The Institution will be recruiting new staff to support these services in the coming months.
We wish our departing staff well for their futures and look forward to introducing new members of the team as soon as possible.
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