During the first half of 2011, IEMA received and processed more than 2,000 new membership applications.
As of 31 July, 2,002 new members had joined the Institute since the beginning of the year.
The figure is an indication that IEMA, with its dedication to creating a sustainable future through the development of environmental skills, knowledge and thought leadership, continues to be the professional body of choice for environment practitioners around the globe.
The rate of new members is 8% up on the same period last year. From the 2011 intake of members, the business sector is the fastest-growing area, at 59%. The remaining 21% work in consultancy, 11% in the public sector and a further 9% in education or academia.
At the start of September, IEMA had more than 10,000 active professional members (from Associate to Fellow) and a further 5,000 ambitious and interested individuals at the Student, Graduate and Affiliate levels. There is also evidence of an increase in the number of registrants progressing to Full membership, which is very encouraging.
Three-quarters of this year’s new members come from just five of our 13 regions: the South East leads with 30%; the North West comes second with 16%; the Midlands and South West groups have both welcomed 10% each and Yorkshire and Humber 9%. Just under 7% live outside of the UK.
“It is very encouraging to see so many members join us this year. The numbers are a reflection, I believe, of the growing recognition there is among organisations of the importance of environmental skills,” commented IEMA CEO Jan Chmiel.
“I’d like to welcome each and every one of the 2,002 new members and I would encourage them to see IEMA membership not only as a way to develop their careers but also to shape the future of the profession.”
