Right reforms?

It is good to see that Chris Blythe, our CEO, has "root and branch" plans for the institute (CM, January 2004). I hope that he will not object to the following comments/constructive criticism.

We should think carefully before dismissing Council because small elected bodies with motivated members have a worthwhile role in professional institutes. Similarly, if local branches are staffed by active, interested members, they lighten the load on HQ. And as regards "non-industry" candidates for the CIOB, unless those selected for this level of membership are of the highest order, they will tend to devalue the Institute. Careful use of honorary membership can achieve a great deal without this risk.

An item of no small concern to those of us in the associated professions, and who were members either prior to or after the arrival of the ASI, is that Blythe places most of his emphasis on construction managers. Our faculty is, we are informed, a central part of the Institute. It provides a forum for our allied but different interests, is represented on important governmental bodies and speaks to the industry and the general public in a distinct voice. Why does it appear it can be sidelined so readily?