Nick Poole is to step down as CEO from the end of March 2024, after eight years of transformative leadership through which CILIP has become firmly established as the leading voice for the UK’s library, information and knowledge management profession.

Working with members from across the UK and CILIP’s skills-based Board of trustees and dedicated staff, Nick has elevated CILIP’s profile and influence in the UK and internationally.

Building a strong professional team committed to advancing the interests of our members and the wider profession, Nick has personally overseen the development of our #WeAreCILIP strategy, and delivery of key initiatives including the launch of CILIP’s refreshed Code of Ethics, the Changing Lives programme promoting inclusive, participatory and socially-engaged library and knowledge services, and the Arts Council England-funded Managing Safe and Inclusive Library Services: A Practical Guide.

An exceptional advocate for the profession, Nick has enabled CILIP to move to a more proactive ‘campaigning’ approach to advocacy, political and media relations, launching a series of highly successful initiatives. These include: #FactsMatter, Great School Libraries, and the joint CILIP-NHS #AMillionDecision campaign. A real thought-leader, Nick led the team which saw the successful launch of the UK’s first-ever Green Libraries Campaign, and more recently had the spark of an idea that became ‘Libraries Rewired’ - CILIP’s sold-out digital and tech-focused annual conference.

Nick will take up a new role in April 2024 as Chief Executive of Ukie, the trade association for the UK video games and interactive entertainment industry.

Speaking about the news, CILIP Chair Sue Lacey Bryant commented:

“The CILIP Board and I thank Nick for the extraordinary commitment, expertise and professionalism with which he has led CILIP through a period of rapid changes. His work has raised the profile of both CILIP and the profession as a whole. We wish Nick every success in his future endeavours.

As a lasting legacy, and working closely with the Board, Nick has ensured our long-term financial sustainability as an Association, leading the sale of CILIP’s previous premises and the winding-down of our legacy pension scheme. So, as we look forward, CILIP is in good financial health with an ambitious programme for the future and a strong staff team.

We are currently commissioning a suitable agency to help us launch the search for our next CEO. In the meantime, Nick continues to be at the helm, and the Board and I have put in place appropriate management arrangements through the transition, to ensure that we will continue to deliver services and fulfil our commitments to members, partners and funders.

Together #WeAreCILIP.”