AGM 2011
The Institute of Roofing goes for growth at their 31st AGM held at the Botanical Gardens
The 31st Annual General Meeting of the Institute of Roofing took place at the impressive Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, on Thursday 13th October 2011.
In his opening address, IoR Chairman Martin Adwick FIoR reflected on the financial situation facing the UK economy, the impact of the Eurozone debt and how all this was having a negative effect on the construction industry.
Despite all the doom and gloom, Martin said he was delighted with such a good turnout for the AGM and it was this camaraderie and commitment that helps make the IoR what it is today – a body of roofing professionals respected throughout the construction industry.
Martin then handed over to IoR President, Gordon Penrose FIoR.
President’s address
Gordon told delegates how pleased he was to be at the 31st AGM having missed his first as IoR President last year due to a pre-arranged business trip to Romania.
During his first year in office Gordon has been working hard in trying to broaden the appeal of the IoR and was delighted to announce that the Institute has been accepted into The Federation of International Roofing Trades (IFD) which means that IoR membership will be open to an international audience.
Gordon has also been investigating the possibility of the IoR achieving Chartered status but will need to increase membership numbers in order to comply, but he thought it was a worthwhile objective for the IoR Board of Governors to consider.
Gordon concluded that he was confident that the IoR would come through these difficult times and could look forward to the future with confidence.
The Chairman’s report
Martin Adwick told the AGM that when he took over the Chair last year, one of his aims was to re-kindle the interest in the Regional meetings. Over the past few years numbers attending meetings had dropped, so much so, that in some regions there were no meetings held at all.
However over the past year Martin reported that the IoR have been able to hold meetings in some of the regions where previously there had been none and that some regions had been able to hold up to 3 meetings which was very encouraging he said.
Most satisfying perhaps, Martin continued, was the first meeting of the Irish region which had not met for 18 years but held their first in April which Martin attended.
There was an excellent turn out of about 25 members and guests and the meeting was a great success. As a result some of the guests have since applied to join the IoR and the Irish region has since held a second meeting.
Martin thanked IoR Governors Geoffrey Parkinson FIoR and James Slater FIoR, who worked tirelessly to ensure the first meeting got off the ground and was a success.
The IoR now have a regional subcommittee headed up by IoR Governor Guy Kilbey FIoR who along with head office are now working on supporting and maintaining this excellent start.
Distance Learning
Martin then announced the launch of a Distance Learning Course which will enable successful candidates to gain an IoR Licentiate grade membership.
The Distance Learning Course has been developed in association with Leeds College of Building.
Martin said that the IoR exam papers have been mapped to a BTEC Level 3 and upon successful completion of this and the trade specific modules; candidates will become a Licentiate of the Institute of Roofing and also achieve an academic qualification recognised by QCF.
The first course will start in January 2012 and once established, the intention is to offer an Associate exam to enable candidates to gain an Associate grade membership plus a BTEC Level 4 - equivalent to a degree foundation course.
Martin concluded by saying that over the year the IoR had 24 students taking the entry exam of which 23 passed and just over 100 new members joined.
The IoR had to consolidate its finances and improve income though growing its membership and encourage more sponsors. All of which he recognised will be difficult given the current economic climate.
Honorary Treasurer's report
Mike Kilbey FIoR informed the AGM that income was down over the previous year largely due to the current economic situation, a drop in subscriptions and late payments. However he was confident that with the new Executive Officer, Roger White FIoR, now onboard, things will improve particularly in the more efficient running of head office and in administration areas.
There are now new methods of subscription payment available to members including credit and debit cards – see our website for details.
Mike also announced that in order to drive down costs, the Institute intended to introduce electronic invoicing. Mike concluded by asking members to pay their subscriptions on time and keep the IoR informed of any address change – particularly e-mail.
Committee Reports
AGM delegates were each given a pack containing reports from the Membership Committee, Education & Examination Committee and Marketing Committee and were given the opportunity to ask any questions.
IoR 2011 Student of the Year
Bob Cooper FIoR, Chairman of the IoR’s Education and Examination Sub Committee, presented the 2011 ‘Student of the Year’ award to Lee Davey of Somerset based Davey Roofing, Slating & Tiling.
Lee, who received a cheque for £250, a trophy and certificate, achieved the highest overall marks at Distinction grade in the Associate exam.
The award was sponsored by Sika Liquid Plastics Ltd and their Roofing Industry Manager and IoR Governor, Mike Bradbury FIoR (pictured) presented Lee with his cheque.
A humorous note to end on
The last 15 minutes of the meeting were given over to an entertaining talk by Simon Gulliver who is the Plant Collections Manager at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Simon gave a brief history of the gardens and the types of plants on display and topically, how the roofs of the glass houses play an important part in the wellbeing of all the plants.
2012 AGM
The 32nd IoR AGM will be held on Thursday 11th October 2012 at a venue to be confirmed.