Developing a regional presence for institute

The facts:

What improvements will the new structure deliver?
This new structure will enhance the ability of our District Societies better to serve members? local needs. By centralising much of the administrative drudge, for example stuffing envelopes and franking mailings, we will free local staff to work in support of local priorities. In addition, we will produce a new bi-monthly member newsletter with each District Society retaining absolute editorial control of its pages, the number of which can be varied to meet local needs.

Moreover, the new arrangements will free volunteers of responsibility for general administration issues and enable them to devote more time to matters that are important to members locally. A regional presence for members of the Institute will ensure that our voice is heard alongside the CBI and IoD at the increasingly important business and Government forums.

Are District Societies being abolished?
No. There are currently 22 District Societies, and there will continue to be 22 District Societies under the new structure.

New regional offices will be opened in: Newcastle (North region), Leeds (Yorkshire and Humberside region), Liverpool (North West region), Birmingham (West Midlands region), Nottingham (East Midlands region), Cambridge (East England region), Guildford (South East region), London (London region), Bristol (South West region) and Cardiff (Wales).

Each regional office will support the District Societies in their region and will work with other regional business and Government bodies to raise the influence and profile of Chartered Accountants.

Has there been effective consultation with District Societies on these plans?
Yes. Following research with a representative sample of members, consultation on these plans with those volunteer members leading District Societies began some 18 months ago. The plans have been developed in partnership with District Societies. We have amended them in many instances based on this dialogue.

For example, the North West regional office was originally planned to be located in Warrington. Feedback from the three District Societies in the region meant that we revised the planned location to Liverpool. We have also refined the role and reporting line of the Regional Manager based on local consultation. We have increased their salary levels to attract a higher calibre of staff. We will set staff priorities in consultation with District Society Office-Holders.

Are all District Society staff being made redundant?
No. We invited all District Society staff to apply for the new roles, and 25 have already accepted permanent positions. Others have taken early retirement or voluntary redundancy. We have treated all staff in the way any good employer would.

Your Council recommends that you vote AGAINST these Resolutions set out in the Notice of Meeting.

• Reproduced with the permission of the ICAEW.