Nathan Prenderghast

These notes are my personal thoughts in response to the IOM3’s plans for changing the committee structure at the Institute. In short, the IOM3 plans to disband all the extant groups and committees in favour of a more uniform structure involving many fewer people. The reasoning is two-fold. First, to make them 'easy to manage' (a thought I know offends a number of members) and secondly, to save money (lunches and travel expenses.) The latter, in my experience, is a red herring; few members of the committees of which I have any experience, make such claims.

It would seem then, that a desire to manage the members, rather than serve them, is the main driving force. The proposal, once our committees are dissolved, is that each of the 'old' groups will be represented in one of the new 'Technical Communities' by a single individual (our 'Subject Champion') but that other existing committee members will not be required. In effect, we will all be dismissed in a matter of months. Sadly, this is a classic example of management being confused with leadership. The IOM3 members need very little management (comprising intelligent, educated and highly motivated people) but the Institute does need strong leadership.

For many years, I have felt that the IOM3 has not met my expectations of what either a learned society or a professional body should be. I can readily transfer my chartered status to another institution but don’t particularly wish to do so. Speaking personally, my main interest in the IOM3 comes from attending events and committee meetings. I have found the interaction with like-minded people stimulating and very beneficial, at both a personal and professional level and see the IOM3 offering little additional value if I am denied this. The strength of the network I enjoy through the IOM3 is substantial and far-reaching. Having spoken to people on several committees, I know this sense of belonging – literally, the 'Fellowship' we all enjoy, is valued equally by many other people.

I think there may be a simple way to preserve this strength with little cost or effort and that is to continue our activities outsid the IOM3. There is a discussion group on Linked in called the 'Materials Salon' which will allow us to explore the best way forward. Please click the blue box above to follow the link.

Kind regards

N.P.