When the IFoA launched its latest strategy in early 2020, we also launched a fresh organisational purpose: to be the voice of actuaries, and to support, develop and be the voice of our members.
Listening to members – through our annual member survey, at events, catching up over coffee – I see your passion and pride in being actuaries. I hear your hopes for the profession’s future. While all members genuinely want the best for the IFoA, everyone’s viewof what ‘the best’ entails is different.
During the past three years, despite challenging circumstances, we have adjusted, adapted and made gigantic leaps together. The IFoA offers members more value than ever before. Our voice is heard and well-regarded in the public sphere. Financially, we are strong. While appreciating that there is always room to grow, particularly in the service experience that we offer members, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished: not just for its own sake, but also for the commitment, resilience and willingness to dare that our volunteers, members and colleagues have demonstrated in accomplishing it.
As our leadership structure and culture evolve, any change in this regard needs to be meaningful. Radical change can dazzle and inspire, but incremental change reassures and stands the test of time. True leadership requires a balance of both – and effective governance, strategy and culture along with it.
The world is changing, and we are grateful for the members who cherish our heritage and have stewarded the IFoA into the organisation it is today. We appreciate our risk-taking members who push the profession to greater heights. Whatever your hopes for the IFoA, we value what you bring to it – and I look forward to what you will bring to it next.
Stephen Mann is the chief executive of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
