The Consultancy Group is a professional group of the Institute that supports, encourages and represents those with an interest in consultancy, at all levels. In 1998, the Consultancy Group is in its seventh year, and enjoys the support of more than 300 members.
The Group's objectives are to provide support and services to its members which help improve their professional interest in consultancy.
The Group Newsletter is a distinctive source of general information and relevant features about the profession. Four editions were published during 1996, relying on contributions from the members and raising issues such as Networking, Market Opportunities Free Training and Quality Issues for the Small Business.
Workshops are used to support members' business operations and assist in their personal professional development. During 1996, a successful workshop entitled Additional Sources of Income enabled participants to learn about the different types of business activity that consultants engage in to enhance their market standing and earn money from continuous income streams. Workshops continue to deliver this type of support to members throughout 1998.
The Consultancy Network is a subscription-only initiative created in 1994 for active members who are practising consultants to:
* Talk to someone sharing consultancy interests - simple counselling/mentoring.
* Get to know others through informal meetings.
* Access information relevant to their business interests.
* Pool their skills with others for collaboration on projects.
Network subscribers can inform others of their professional skills and interests through the Register of Capabilities. The Register is designed to encourage collaborative ventures within the Network, and is published along with Network News to and for Network Subscribers only. To be successful, the Network requires real commitment from participating members, in terms of time and attendance at meetings. Administered by a Network Manager, the Network which covers all geographical regions an has an annual, informal Network Fair at a London Hotel.
All of these activities are complemented further with help concerning Professional Indemnity Insurance, Facilities and Information Access.
The Group's Committee comprises eight consultants, the majority of whom are independent. Group membership is diverse in its skills with specialists in subjects ranging from control systems to management, and includes members contemplating consultancy, part-time consultants and those who have chosen consultancy as their career.
The Group's informality encourages members to establish contact with others and to suggest new initiatives. Whatever your level of interest, we would encourage you to participate in this exciting venture and actively shape the future of the consultancy profession.
The IOP and its Consultancy Group are active in the Joint Consultants Forum, an informal association of the Consultancy Groups or similar structures within other scientific and engineering institutes.
It is sometimes difficult to find details of meetings on the IOP web pages. For your convenience brief details of Group Meetings are given here.
For more information email Optical System Design or visit the IOP Website.