The team at CILT have been working hard to maintain the pace of continuous improvement activities and delivering on our key objectives as set out in our 2017 Business Plan. I went into considerable detail in our last edition, so I will give an overview of activities and achievements on this occasion. Our key objectives fall under three strategies set out as follows:

• Education and Services
• Governance – continued application of strong principles and implementation of best practice
• Developing a stronger brand – CILT

Education and Services

The CILT Skillnet continues to gain traction with an increased number of businesses signing up to our network. Aer Lingus is the latest addition of these that has recently participated in training in relation to Train the Trainer for ‘Vehicle Checks’. We now have in excess of 60 companies participating in and availing of grant-assisted training and networking opportunities for staff at all levels. We are currently looking at how we can best support our industry sector in preparing for the implications of Brexit. We are keen to hear from our membership and CILT Network to help us shape training programmes which can best equip our Skillnet Network in preparing for the significant Brexit challenges which lie ahead – please contact jerry@cilt.ie

The Diploma examinations were held on the 20th May with all results issued to students on the 28th June. We have received very positive feedback from students with some good suggestions as to how we can further improve the programme. These suggestions will be implemented for the upcoming academic year. We continue to actively promote the Diploma course as follows:

• Information evenings held in both Cork and Dublin in June – follow up sessions to take place in August
• Promotional articles in Linkline
• Communications to promote the course through our Skillnet and current students
• Updated information available on our website
• Social media channels – LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter
• Proactively contact CILT Skillnet students and previous students
• Sections will engage with potential students over the summer period

There is strong interest from potential students so if you would like further information or would like to sign up for this academic year, please contact aine@cilt.ie  or pauline@cilt.ie.

The Institute continues to maintain a positive relationship with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to act as examination agent in respect of dangerous goods safety advisers (DGSA) and dangerous goods drivers (ADR). Alice Doherty has been appointed as the new Senior Inspector, Storage, Supply and Transport and will be our main point of contact within the HSA. We wish Alice the very best in her new role and will work closely with her in applying best practice. Candidate numbers sitting the Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence exams have increased since the previous year.

Governance

The Internal Audit Committee (IAC) met in May and received a comprehensive business update. They also approved the terms of reference for an audit which will review the effectiveness and efficiency of the administrative system for the Transport Manager CPC examination process which the Institute administers. The IAC will meet again on the 12th September to review the following key items:

• Consideration of the report of the CPC audit
• Review of the 2016 audited accounts and particularly the auditors’ management letter
• Bi-annual review of the risk register

The CILT AGM took place in HQ on the 7th June and was well attended. Annual accounts and key appointments were approved. Helen Noble will take over as President of the Institute in October with Gráinne Lynch taking up the position of Vice-President and Chair of the Management Committee. These are exciting and changing times within CILT with two women occupying the most senior positions within the Institute – we wish them both well.

Developing a Stronger Brand – CILT

We started the refurbishment of our offices at 1 Fitzwilliam Place in June which is another important step in our rebranding programme. The refurbishment will be completed in July and will reflect a modern, contemporary and professional environment which our members and operations team can be proud of.

We organised a number of events since our last publication. Some of the highlights were as follows:

• Musgrave’s Visit, 25th April
• European Supply Chain Day Expert Lecture Series, 27th April
• Eiratech Robotics Visit, Eastern Section, 27th April
• Road Safety Seminar, Southern Section, 4th May
• Sea Trucks Visit, Eastern Section Dublin, 5th May
• Managing the Cost of Logistic Operations, Southern Section, 25th May
• Managing the Cost of Logistic Operations, Dublin, 15th June
• Dublin Diploma Information Evening, 19th June
• Cork Diploma Information Evening, 20th June

The management team at CILT also held over 40 external meetings since April with key influencers and stakeholders drawn from our industry sector with a view to promoting the Institute and enhancing our brand.

Conclusion

This update provides you with a flavour of some of the important changes and improvements being implemented. I would like to thank our President and Council for their continued support and positive contribution. I would also thank our members for their continued support and membership. Finally to our staff who continue to embrace change and an ambition to provide a better service to all our stakeholders and members.

Pat Treacy
CILT Ireland CEO