Networks conference - moving in a bright direction

13 November 2009

Branch and Group representatives gathered at the Marriott Hotel in Leicester for the second IOSH Networks conference on 9-10 November. The event focused on ‘Moving in a bright direction’ as branches and groups work to implement changes following recent reviews of their structure.

Opening the conference, IOSH Chief Executive Rob Strange encouraged delegates to make the most of the discussion sessions, which gave them the opportunity to explore the best way to meet their goals. Networks and International Director Sarah Hamilton then took the stage to update members on how the directorate is restructuring to build on synergies between branches and groups, bringing together the supporting functions for key networks. This would result in a clearer understanding of operational needs for branch, group and international areas, she said, offering the best possible service to members.

There was plenty of opportunity for branch and group members to air their views, with interactive sessions on groups management, improving engagement with members and how to ‘recession-proof’ events. Indeed, better interaction was at the forefront of many delegates’ minds – whether it was communication between different networks, or connections between a branch or group and its members.

Sharing best practice was a big part of the conference, and there were plenty of success stories, too. Among these, Alan Kirkwood told how the West of Scotland Branch is working in partnership with businesses, educational and legal establishments as well as industry bodies to raise the profile of the branch, and of IOSH as a whole. Denis Hands and Tudor Smith of the East Anglia Branch discussed the measures they’d taken to increase attendance at meetings and meet the needs of a geographically dispersed membership. And Tyne and Wear Branch’s Barry Tupper and Jeff Fowler shared their experiences of refreshing branch planning.

Communications Director Ruth Doyle gave a well-received update on the recently refreshed IOSH website, which offers a range of new tools to help branches and groups publicise events and connect with members. Each branch or group can have its own forum and polls on its webpage to connect with its members and find out their opinions, for example on which topics their members want to see covered at events.

Overall, delegates recognised that e-communications tools such as the new website, the Connect e-newsletter, teleconferencing and webinar capabilities are key to IOSH’s ‘bright direction’. Discussions included how the tools not only help members to network and publicise events, but also enable the analysis of click-through rates and other measures so committees can see how successful their initiatives are.

In all, the conference proved a lively setting for sharing best practice, discussing ideas, assessing needs and progress and exploring new directions.

To watch interviews from the conference visit the IOSH channel.