We all know that statistics can often be twisted to make an argument. It's usually as much about what you don't say as it is about what you report. So what to make of the 2013 CIPR elections? Unless there are any last-minute hitches, the President-elect will be Sarah Pinch; the Treasurer, Dave Sanders. Both are standing for election unopposed. Does that mean the Institute is losing its relevancy and appeal to members? I think not - though I expect some critics might seize upon that statistic.
That debate will ignore the fact that the officer positions demand a lot of time - I should know, I've done them both. Standing for those is a big decision, but in recent years we have seen two and even three-way battles for the Presidential position so the appeal remains. Sarah and Dave are also great candidates - both would have had my vote and had already received my nomination. What's more, others with ambition for those posts might have held back; preferring to support and not stand against a candidate they respected. It is not a black and white argument.
Elections are of course good for the Institute - but so is having good candidates in the post and the CIPR will be well served by both Sarah and Dave.
So in terms of the level of interest and support for the CIPR, I prefer therefore to look at the candidates putting themselves forward for election to the Institute's Council, myself included. Many of them are looking to get involved at a national level for the first time - others are looking to remain engaged or, like me, are seeking to return to the table.
There are seven available seats in this year's CIPR Council election, and I am one of no fewer than 15 people to have put their hat in the ring for a three-year term. That is an impressive level of commitment and strong evidence that there is no shortage of people who hold the CIPR in high enough regard to want to get involved.
That is the statistic I find more illuminating than the unopposed elections for the two officers.
What's more - the list of candidates is impressive and members face a very difficult choice selecting their seven picks. I know many of those standing, but others are new to me so I invite them to get in touch via this blog or by twitter using @telecomtails.
As I said, elections are good and we have one for seven important seats on the Institute's Council. If you have a vote; please use it. And if you'd like to vote for me, I'd be most grateful.
2 comments:
Kevin
I am one of the first time candidates for election to the CIPR Council. I'm not certain how CIPR members will react to someone outside the agency/consultancy world, but I hope an external perspective will be valuable. I think my e-mail address is on the candidates list on the CIPR web site, so please do get in touch. I hope we meet in Council.
Regards
Mark
Good to hear from you Mark and good luck in the election process. It is important that council has a diverse mix of practitioners from different industries, regions, commercial, and not-for-profit backgrounds. The place is much more vibrant and the debates much better for the mix. I have in-house experience both in local government and the private sector; consultancy experience and am now a business owner. I know my own ability to contribute is boosted by that diversity and experience.
I'm sure your own background would also inform and add value to your contributions.
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