The Directors of IRM are determined to meet their aspiration to be the leading international Institute for vocational risk management education and as part of this process have reviewed the Institute’s Membership Grade Structure to ensure IRM meets with stakeholders expectations.

Relevant issues taken into account included:

• Launch of the new Certificate in Risk Management.

• Increasing feedback from employers and HR professionals that the Member grade is perceived to be senior to that of Associate.

• A survey of other Institutes’ practices, again indicating that “Member” grades are usually perceived to be the mainstream career level. This issue is of vital importance due to the great breadth of risk management today.

• A growing need to create more consistency in the skills and knowledge requirements for individuals joining the Institute through examination and through experience.

As a result, the Institute plans to introduce a new grading hierarchy from 1 July 2006. The new structure includes:

• Introduction of the grade of Certificant (CIRM) for those members meeting the requirements of the IRM Certificate.

• Consolidation of existing Associate and Member grades into the grade of Member (MIRM).

The proposed scheme was launched in the September 2005 edition of InfoRM. The latest article on the changes is available for download below.

The new scheme is designed to create greater clarity for members, employers and HR specialists. The new scheme particularly addresses the important issue of ensuring Diploma qualified Members are fully recognized internationally for their achievements across the full breadth of the risk management profession and the wider business community.

The Institute is keen to have the views of members, at all levels, on the implementation of these changes. Please send your comments and questions to: enquiries@theirm.org.

Mike Walker
Chairman, Institute of Risk Management
12 December 2005