Agility in the land of the dinosaurs

Embracing change is the management speak of the moment but it is the rate of change, not only in our profession but in society at large, that takes my breath away.

Of course, I am aware the technology refresh rate is generally agreed to be every three or five years, while our grandparents had the relative luxury of perhaps a decade or two and their grandparents maybe half a century; but it is the ability to share and apply knowledge that is really changing how we see our world.

Using almost any search engine, you can obtain even the most obscure information in just a few clicks. The question on my mind is, what does this means to building services engineers and the Institution in general?

In my opinion, we have to remain agile, while maintaining the essential hallmark of CIBSE – putting our members first and accurately reflecting their views while living in a world of change and “information overload”.

While considering the pressures that technology has brought to our everyday lives, I was reflecting on the role and purpose of the engineering institutions. The history, sense of well-being and huge inheritance they have left for us has been very significant, but no one can be guaranteed survival on past glories alone.

As I explore the complex world of the engineering institutions, there is no doubting the passion, sense of commitment and value added to society but, equally, I sense there is some uncertainty about the future. Yes, many of these great institutions have huge reserves and financial strength but, surely, there is no point unless the members feel they have value, have the opportunity to contribute and are listened to.

History is full of examples of seemingly well-established and stable organisations turning and burning when the wind of change blows with either unexpected strength or direction.

I have found myself using an analogy recently concerning CIBSE’s position within the engineering institutions. Simply put, it seems to me that CIBSE is the relatively agile, responsive one in the land of dinosaurs. Not an entirely fair or accurate analogy, of course, but it seems to me that it explains not only the risks we all take in becoming extinct unless we take action to adapt and evolve but it also highlights many of the considerable strengths of CIBSE.

So what are we intending to do about this? Naturally, there are plenty of options, but one we are now planning is to involve the CIBSE Council. At the next meeting on 15 February we shall pose two specific questions. How can the Institution identify volunteers, and how can we develop support from industry?

The first question implies that they should be new volunteers, and those that are relatively young. We have a significantly younger age profile than many other institutions, but nevertheless we must continue to nurture those who will succeed us.

The second question focuses on how should we build on the successful Patrons scheme. We now have 110 companies signed up, but I am aware that there is a widely held view that CIBSE could do more. So now is your opportunity either to make your views known, or seek out a Council member so they are aware. Debate is healthy, even in the land of the dinosaurs!

As a new year embarks I would like to take this opportunity to send the very best wishes from all of us at Delta House to our members and friends throughout the world. We are looking forward to 2007 with a real sense of anticipation.