IEMA is set to embark on some exciting plans during 2018 – and members’ input is absolutely critical in transforming the plans into reality.
Following five years of bold and smart moves under CEO Tim Balcon – including the Member Level Review, visual rebrand, new website, introduction of new training courses and guidance publications, and a brand-new magazine – the next step in building IEMA’s profile and influence is becoming a chartered body via a Royal Charter, as first revealed in the March issue of TRANSFORM.
After completing all of the preliminary stages of application, it’s now time to formalise our intentions, which means you can have your say on our vital next step – petitioning for a Royal Charter. As an IEMA member, you are invited to cast your important vote on passing a special resolution, which will permit IEMA to progress our Royal Charter application at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). See the full EGM notice on p35.
The EGM will be held at an impressive and historic location in Central London – Vintners’ Hall – at 6pm on 15 May 2018. The member vote is an important gateway point in the application process, so IEMA encourages as many members as possible to vote for us to petition for a Royal Charter so we can successfully progress to the next stage with the full permission and support of our membership.
Rights and responsibilities
A Royal Charter is signed and issued by the Queen, and grants certain ownerships, rights and powers to an inpidual or organisation. For professional bodies like IEMA, those cover an organisation’s areas of responsibility, including promoting and regulating its profession. It means that – subject to the successful member vote – IEMA will be formally recognised as the professional body for corporate sustainability, environmental management and impact assessment.
For members, this move is an important one, as it will mean increased profile and career recognition; membership of a chartered body will position the profession as a defined and regulated profession alongside other chartered professions such as accountancy, engineering, surveying and marketing. Therefore, the opportunity to vote and help shape our future profile is a landmark moment for all members and the wider profession.
How to vote
The official member vote will be held as part of an EGM at Vintners’ Hall, 68 Upper Thames Street, London, EC4V 3BG, at 6pm on 15 May 2018. The vote – officially called a special resolution – will be the only agenda item for the meeting, and voting is very straightforward. If you wish to vote but can’t attend in person, you can appoint a proxy to vote in your place – either someone you know or the company secretary.
The EGM will be followed by an evening event featuring presentations from M&S head of Plan A and IEMA Fellow Mike Barry as well as the former chief executive of the Environment Agency, Paul Leinster, among others. As well as the opportunity to hear from these inspiring leaders firsthand, you’ll enjoy refreshments and networking opportunities.
For further information
Full details about our ambitions to achieve a Royal Charter, the EGM and vote, the evening event and FAQs are available at iema.net. If you have any questions about IEMA’s plans, get in touch with Katrina Pierce any time at [email protected]
