CIPSA MD’s Quarterly Update – January 2009 

This year sees the start of the fifth year of operations for CIPSA, the middle year of our second three year plan. 2009 will see our largest investment yet into our planned priorities; more education pathways, enhanced member benefits and a smarter back-office to support all our stakeholders.

CIPSA finished 2008 in a strong position. Early accounting data suggests we may have broken-even for the first time, although the accounts are still incomplete and unaudited. We also grew membership by over 40% during the year to a final figure approaching 3,000 members. We ran a record number of training courses both publically and privately, facilitated an enlarged and vibrant events programme through our successful regional  committees and delivered a record-breaking conferences programme culminating in the successful 4^th annual conference in Melbourne to which almost 700 people attended.

CIPSA also expanded the number and range of pathways through which members can study towards CIPS qualifications during the year, both directly with CIPS and with other providers including six universities, three RTOs, four state governments and two private companies with accredited in-house training programmes Rio Tinto and BAE Systems. CIPSA also had a record number of exam entries in Australia and New Zealand in 2008, and saw the start of innovative new study programmes such as the Assisted Study Programmes [ASPs] with blended learning options. December saw our first Academic Forum and our 25^th Steering Group meeting. Also during the year we started operations in earnest in Papua New Guinea, and already have over 100 new members there.

All in all, our successful year has provided a platform for further work in 2009. Our focus is on advancing our education strategy, delivering more to members and improving our back-office services to cope with rising demands. Essential next steps towards raising the standards and status of the procurement profession.

The CIPSA team have been working hard to deliver an exciting programme for 2009, beginning in February with a range of exciting new launches:

·         New CIPSA website with more content and more member benefits and new online functionality for members  

·         Redesigned and expanded PP magazine with digital e-book version and dedicated website portal replacing e newsletters with real-time  

·         New route towards MCIPS for experienced practitioners, the Professional Award Scheme [PAS]

·         Launch of CIPS e online learning service allowing flexible self-study one module at a time

·         A range of new Australian template documents including RFP, Purchase Order T&Cs, purchase contract & service agreement

·         Access to the new EBSCO online library through www.cips.org

Each of these exciting new options will be formally launched in February and explained much more fully then. Watch this space .....

Of course, 2009 will also be packed with more of the same including;

·         Five national conference events culminating with 5^th annual conference in October

·         Over 70 pubic training courses in eight cities with new topics and proven providers

·         A relevant and enlarged regional events programme across ten regions

·         A stream of relevant and useful publications including Procurement Professional magazine, white-papers, research reports, pro-forma presentations, The Knowledge Club, website content 

·         International Procurement Professional Awards programme and CIPSA Essay Competition 

 Another busy year ahead then – see you there, and thank you for your ongoing support of CIPSA.

 Warm regards,

Jonathan Dutton FCIPS

Managing Director

CIPS Australasia                                                                                                                Melbourne, January 2009