We are delighted to share that a successful meeting was held last week with our Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, to ensure a seamless transition for the Institute’s leadership.
Key Highlights:
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Leadership Transition: Our president, Geoff Rhodes, formally introduced Richard Galbraith as IOC President Designate ahead of his official start on April 22nd.
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Strategic Updates: Discussed the evolving UK craft skills landscape and the successful conclusion of the IOC Mentoring Champions programme.
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New Initiatives: Debuted the WoodWork programme and the Wood Occupations Material Alliance (WOMA), a fresh venture for the sector.
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Looking Ahead: Explored the potential for a Royal Charter and celebrated the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Merlane Trophy in 2027.
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Upcoming Events: Briefed HRH on the upcoming IOC-NAS AGM and Members Day, which remains a cornerstone event for our professional community.
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Global Reach: Shared updates on our international collaborations through TCE, including new connections in Berlin and France.
The Duchess expressed her strong support for our mission, marking a positive and secure step forward for the IOC and our members.