|
According to the Roman philosopher Seneca, luck – or rather, success – happens ‘when preparation meets opportunity’. I was reminded of this recently when I was invited by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to attend an awards ceremony to recognise the achievement of the service’s candidates in passing IFE examinations. Barry Dixon’s address (see the report in the Member News section) provided an uplifting start to the celebration and, clearly, a strong network of support from the service, the local IFE branch, colleagues, family and friends had allowed candidates to prepare well. But what I had not anticipated was the palpable enthusiasm expressed by candidates at being given the opportunity to gain academic recog-nition of their knowledge. It seems that Seneca’s recipe for success works.
Examinations roll-out
The keen interest being shown by many fire and rescue services in implementing IFE exams is starting to bring with it a strengthening of local IFE branches, as exam candidates recognise the important role that branches can play in supporting a learning community. Local IFE activity in West Yorkshire has been re-energised and several initiatives are starting, including an event being organised in the Midlands (details to follow at http://www.ife.org.uk/). Internationally, the popularity of exams has been steadily increasing, too. In particular, almost one-third of international exams taken in March 2008 were at Preliminary level and they were mostly taken by candidates whose commitment amid political instability and some of the worst consequences of economic disadvantage is truly admirable.
Fees and framework 2009
For many years, the same exam fee was charged to all, regardless of level or consideration of respective benefit to the candidate. For 2009, fees will vary according to the level and number of papers undertaken. As a consequence, Preliminary candidates will see a reduction in fees, while fees will increase proportionally as progression is made to higher level papers. Those opting to take all papers required for success at each level will pay a great deal less per paper than those who select individual papers only.
This system is intended to encourage candidates to aspire to obtaining a full qualification, for which we are seeking recognition from UK regulatory authority Ofqual. Not only would this enhance the value of IFE exams by placing them within a recognised qualification framework, but it would also widen international acceptance as cross-mapping to other educational frameworks becomes easier.
March 2009 exams
We are taking bookings for March 2009 exams. Candidates working within UK fire and rescue services are asked to check with their service first, before booking directly with the Institution, to find out if a block booking is being made as part of the wider UK fire and rescue service’s partnership arrangements. All other UK or overseas candidates without a local branch can book directly with the Institution’s head office by completing a downloadable application form at www.ife.org/exams and sending it to the head office in Moreton-in-Marsh, marked for the attention of Richard Davis. International candidates outside the UK who have a local branch should contact that in the first instance. Details of branch contacts can be found at: www.ife.org.uk/branches. The deadline for receiving bookings is 30 November 2008.
Anniversary conference
As part of our celebrations for the Institution’s 90th anniversary, which will culminate in the 2009 AGM and conference in Glasgow, the Institution is holding a one-day conference on 31 October 2008 in Scotland, to raise awareness of fire engineering and improve links with Scottish universities. The event, which is receiving generous sponsorship from Buro Happold, will take place at Heriot-Watt University, and engineering students will have the opportunity to listen to an impressive line-up of speakers from the public and private fire engineering sectors.
Members are very welcome to join us for the event, which will offer a range of perspectives on the past, present and future of fire engineering. Details are available at www.ife.org.uk/news/oct08 or contact Jenny Angus on e-mail: jenny.angus@ife.org.uk
Consultation paper
As we reflect on 90 years of tradition and explore the international future of fire engineering, I am grateful to Charles Chu, Immediate Past President, who has produced a consultation paper for the views of members. This can be found on our website and in forthcoming newsletters. Responses can be submitted either via e-mail to helen.ross@ife.org.uk or by post to the Institution’s head office in Moreton-in-Marsh. The closing date for members to return their views is 31 December 2008 and we look forward to your participation.
Anniversary dinner plans
Before leaving the anniversary theme, I hope that you will consider joining us in the spring of 2009 for a celebratory evening, which will encompass the annual Past Presidents’ Dinner. We intend to offer a truly memorable evening, at a reasonable cost, and look forward to welcoming as many members as possible to join us for the celebrations. Once confirmed, details will be published in the Members’ Update, newsletters and on the website.
Introducing IFERG
IFERG, the Institution’s newly formed Registrants’ Group, has replaced the former Engineering Council Division and, under the leadership of John Woodcock, work has begun to better align activities within the wider Institution for the benefit of all members. The Membership Committees for Registration continue to provide the robust processes required by the Engineering Council, with peer review activity undertaken by both private sector and UK fire and rescue registrants in equal measure. Training will shortly be offered to volunteers who have indicated that they are keen to become involved in peer review. My thanks to all volunteers who support Institution activities, whether through involvement with governance, branch networks, technical groups, membership, registration, academic approval or examinations.
Staffing update
Finally, branches and members contacting head office on matters relating to subscriptions or other payments, should contact Mark Cawthra on e-mail: mark.cawthra@ife.org.uk or tel: +44 (0)1608 812 587. Mark has joined the Institution to provide cover for Claire Manley, who is currently on maternity leave.
|