Board extends Mark Whittaker’s tenure as Chair following rule change

News

We are pleased to announce that IWFM Chair Mark Whittaker, CIWFM, who will have been in position for two years in October, will serve for a third year after the Board voted to allow more flexibility in the traditional two-year tenure for the IWFM Chair.  

The change follows a review of the Institute’s Governance structures as part of the recent Communities Review. Once the new rules were in place, the Board approved a proposal to extend Mark’s tenure by 12 months. 

Explaining the rationale for the change, which applies to the Chair and Co-opted NEDs (Non-Executive Directors), CEO Linda Hausmanis said:  

'In today's rapidly changing times, it's as important for organisations to ensure continuity, retain knowledge and expertise, and plan for the future, as it is to innovate and embrace change. I welcome the Board's decision to build flexibility into our governance framework and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mark.' 

Mark Whittaker commented:  

‘Two years ago, it was genuinely humbling and an honour to be asked to become Chair of IWFM, and I feel an equal measure of gratitude to have the trust and unequivocal support of the Board in being asked to continue in the role for a further 12 months. 

‘When I took on the Chair role, I explained my priorities were my “five Cs”: continuity, community, chartership, communication, and character. I soon added a further priority of championing and driving forwards our “Career of Choice” initiative, to try a build a diverse and talented workforce for the future. These remain my focus in supporting the Institute’s evolution, reinforcing its status as the trusted voice for our profession, and trying to make a positive difference for our members and the sector.’ 

IWFM is implementing a transformative, member-informed strategy for 2023 to 2025 which is focused on enhancing member value and supporting the profession in seizing a critical opportunity to realise its potential to drive strategic outcomes in organisations. Alongside this, the Institute is also celebrating its thirty-year anniversary with a range of member-exclusive activities which are aimed at providing practical support and outstanding value.