CILIP Branches in England: Roles and Responsibilities
Approved by CILIP Council, April 2006
BACKGROUND
CILIP Branches in England became co-terminus with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) by April 2004. This new regional landscape offers fresh challenges and opportunities for the LIS sector generally and CILIP members in particular. It is important that there is a strong LIS focus in each region to promote the sector, its services and its practitioners. And, besides continuing to act as a conduit for matters of national policy and practice, each Branch now has a greater chance to establish its own identity based on regional priorities.
CILIP has recognised the implications of the regional structure in its strategic planning. It needs to provide modern, ICT-based, communications and support which will help Branches to play their part in delivering distributed services to members. In many cases it will be appropriate for Branches to enter into partnerships with other key organisations (e.g. LIS education providers or regional training consortia) to provide local services. Sub-Branches should be formed where geographically appropriate, to allow networking and partnerships at sub-regional level. The principle of equity of services to all members should be paramount.
One of the purposes of this document is to support the development of a sustainable financial model for CILIP. Budget allocations to English Branches need in future to be based on active business plans which take proper account of varying regional priorities, rather than on the formulaic capitation of the past.
CORE ACTIVITIES
This list of core activities is set in the context of ‘what works for the branch’. Each branch will use the mechanisms and methods most appropriate for its local circumstances.
A. Representing CILIP in the Regions
A1. Represent CILIP to Members and Members to CILIP, providing a strong, collective voice to convey Members’ views within CILIP
A2. Consult members on local and regional issues, and make representations on their behalf. Taking a view on professional matters that bring together the various sectors of the profession and other related professions where appropriate
A3. Participate in CILIP policy making processes, giving Members a voice in strategic decision-making within CILIP
A4. Implement CILIP policy at Regional level
B. CPD and Training
B1. Support and promote the Framework of Qualifications processes
B2. Establish links with all sections of the community to ensure that all Branch Members have the opportunity to be included and involved in Branch activities
B3. Maintain good relationships with local LIS education providers
B4. Encourage and provide opportunities for CPD
B5. Provide opportunities for Members to participate in and run their professional body
B6. Act as a knowledge management (KM) resource for advice on jobs, careers and personal development
C. Networking, Co-ordination, Support
C1. Co-ordinate opportunities for colleagues to meet to share information and encourage discussion of key issues. Provide a focus for professional activity within the Branch.
C2. Co-ordinate and support professional activity in the Region in liaison with all Special Interest Groups (SIGs) or via Sub-Branches of the Branch
D. Communication
D1. Communicate with members regularly using delivery mechanisms that best meet users' needs and demands. Establish two-way communication channels with the Regions and Home Nations, Ridgmount Street and within the Branch
D2. Establish a pattern of Committee meetings, including virtual ones, varying the location, format and timing of meetings to encourage as wide a range of people as possible to participate
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
1. Promote CPD to employers and monitor progress, e.g. hold a CPD forum to discuss and assess employers’ requirements. Arrange courses at low cost to assist development of skills and knowledge. Recognise achievements at the local level, e.g. presentation of Framework of Qualifications Certificates, hold local ceremonies to acknowledge Honorary Awards and Fellowships
2. Collaborate with training organisations, e.g. UfI, Learndirect, Learning and Skills Council
3. Participate in the marketing of library and information work as a career, e.g. representation at local/regional careers fairs or courses and events, utilising programmes of meetings, conferences, training courses, publications, research and opportunities to learn by experience
4. Promote the interests of the Branch by having or seeking representation on appropriate external bodies
5. Engage at a political level in the wider policies and developments within the region
6. Aim to provide a voice for Members in strategic decision making at RDA levels
7. Participate/be involved in regional LIS planning strategy and development
8. Foster good relationships with local employers, Chambers of Commerce, etc
9. Work with related organisations at local level (e.g. ILAM, SCONUL)
10. Support international relations with Library Associations and other organisations such as VSO
Updated: 23 May 2006