Derek Cribb is the chief executive of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
The UK has always enjoyed an active network of regional societies and it is energising to see that this network is thriving and growing. This network plays a vital role for the IFoA and its members by helping to ensure that appropriate continuing professional development (CPD) and networking opportunities are available, alongside serving an important social function for local actuarial communities. These societies are a crucial touch point for the IFoA. They help us to remain connected to our members, providing a conduit for us to hear member views and listen to their concerns. They also provide a hub for volunteer recruitment, which helps to keep our volunteer network diverse and relevant.
Over the past year, I have been a guest at a number of our societies, where I have been really impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm of those I met. I am looking forward to visiting more over the coming months to share and update members on the IFoA's strategic direction and, more importantly, to get direct feedback on what the IFoA could do to enhance our member offering.
When we developed the IFoA's strategy in 2011 we were keen to focus on the evolving needs of our members, wherever they were based. I was told very recently by a member of one regional society that, about four years ago, they nearly gave up as they could not attract speakers. Now, with volunteers and the dedicated IFoA team working in partnership, it is a vibrant society with a pipeline of speakers far into the future. The IFoA offers many types of support to regional societies, including presentations from volunteers and IFoA staff, a regional society newsletter and dedicated webpages on the IFoA website. So, if you are not a member of your local society, why not get involved? And if there is no regional society in your area, why not set one up? We would be delighted to provide you with assistance in doing so.
If you are interested in getting involved in regional society activity, please email regions manager Tess Joyce or visit the regional actuarial activity area of our website.
www.actuaries.org.uk/members/pages/regional-actuarial-activity
Derek Cribb is the chief executive of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries