Members will by now have received their notice of year 2011 membership subscriptions and any additional professional registration subscriptions if appropriate.
Last November the Council met to consider the budgetary considerations for 2011, and has once again retained subscriptions in line with the Consumer Price Index for the September preceding the membership year; in this case subscriptions have increased by 3.1% over the 2010 subscription year. The Council is alert to the financial constraints affecting many members and their employers as we all continue to be affected by the static economy. Along with other organisations, IHEEM is adjusting its activities to reflect tightening fiscal conditions. However, despite the financial downturn, I am pleased that the Institute is seeing an encouraging upward trend in new member applications, which are being received at twice the rate of three years ago. I believe the Institute’s reputation and involvement with professional education and training is gaining much wider recognition by both employees and employers, who acknowledge the benefits of IHEEM membership. Members also recognise that when cost savings and economies begin to bite into workforce numbers, it is the professional employee who proudly wears his or her IHEEM member status that stands strongest against his or her peer group. Please remember that there is a 5% discount for those paying subscriptions by direct debit, and an additional 5% for members whose employers are Company Affiliates. Please check with the IHEEM office membership team for these and other membership benefits. May I wish you all a professionally successful 2011.
Paul Kingsmore President
