FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why the IoF?

We met with the AMM in 2010 and asked if we could bring some energy and new ideas to that. We followed up the meeting. We followed up the meeting again. Despite our friendly and promising initial discussions with the Chairman we heard nothing further from the AMM. The FMM ended in 2009, it's now 2011 and we've had no response from the AMM for over nine months. So, in response to numerous Fellows asking for someone to do something in the absence of any other formal arrangement of a similar nature we have set up the IoF. As no other activity has been started since 2009 we feel the time is now right to take positive action and provide a professional networking forum for our colleagues.

The Institute of Fellows has three simple aims:

1) Provide a hub for ongoing Fellow activities

2) Provide a continuation of the popular Can You Help service

3) Provide opportunities for Fellows to network, support eachother and keep developing

Are you part of Cranfield?

No. This is an independent organisation run for the benefit of members. We would like to find ways to be involved with Cranfield and to be supportive of the ongoing work of the School of Applied Sciences, whilst retaining our independence. However, we must stress that the IoF is not part of Cranfield University and has not been endorsed by them in any way.

Will you hold an annual conference?

Not as such. There is an annual Manufacturing Debate held at Cranfield which members may wish to attend. However, our aim is to run one or two Continuous Personal Development days each year, to allow members to meet up, network, socialise and develop their skills. These will be held in covenient hotels and it is our intention to run them at a low cost, in order to make them affordable for members to attend.

Have you set up the IoF to make money?

No. We have set it up to continue the spirit of fellowship that made the FMM so distinctive and successful. In the future we may need to consisder options such as membership subscriptions, or affiliate arrangements, in order to pay for ongoing administration, website development and the CYH service. At the moment we are investing our own time and money into the IoF to make it free to join.

How will the CYH (Can You Help) service work?

We will use the Swiftmail service to broadcast CYH messags to the membership database. CYH is about asking members for specialist help and support, or offering job hunting opportunities, for example. It is not about direct selling. Our intention is that if people are using it to promote relevant job oportunities that they earn a commission on, will we ask them for a fee. Swiftmail costs a small amount of money to run and for now we are funding it ourselves.

Why isn't there a Chairman, committee members and sub committes?

Because we do not wish the IoF to be burdened by unnecessary bureaucracy or complexity. Continuity of leadership is provided by Nick, Andie and Richard, providing two moderators, with support from 3 other members. These make up the Panel of 5 Moderators who provide admin and governance to the IoF. The intention is for the Panel to work in a collaborative and flexible way and it will consult with members and will listen to suggestions.

How do I become a Moderator?

Email the IoF at admin@instituteoffellows.net and offer your services. On May 1st 2011 we will draw lots and the first three will become Moderators for 12 months. The role of Moderator carries no financial reward and the time committment is unknown at this time, although our expectation is that we would have conference calls every second month to discuss any matters arising. We want the IoF to be easy to run and be focussed on our members' interests. The Panel is listed on the Contact IoF and the Membership pages.

Why is the IoF part of the Centred Development website?

Because we had to start somewhere and with the least cost and complexity.

What is your target for membership numbers?

We would like everyone to join and in the first year we would be delighted to get more than 200+ people listed on the membership roll.

What is your committment over the long term?

We have been involved with the FMM and the AMM for over 15 years. We look forward to celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the IoF...and beyond...