AIPM’s new board and operating structure provide opportunities for strategic change in the near future including:

• a review of our competency standards to introduce new business and people competencies;

• development of a new level in Reg PM - Executive PM;

• further development of continuing professional development into AIPM membership criteria, and

• consideration on becoming a member of the International Project Management Association (IPMA).

The review of our competency standards and certification framework, by an industry cross-section led by recently elected NSW  president, Graham Selkirk, will strengthen the value of AIPM certification and make it more relevant to project managers involved in strategic and complicated projects and programs. Operationally, changes in our certification system and restructuring of the DMO assessment process are both progressing well under the direction of our recently appointed Certification and Assessment Manager, Cathy Wagner.

The UK Ministry of Defence, Australian Defence Materiel Organisation and leading international contractors have led the development of complex PM competency standards and established a College of Complex Project Managers. Through aligning itself with the College of Complex Project Managers, AIPM will increase its influence in government and business, and provide our members with a greatly enhanced career path.

To date, AIPM has only had peripheral and intermittent contact with IPMA. AIPM is considering formally joining IPMA to strengthen our international position. This would give us the opportunity to assist other countries within the Asia Pacific region to develop robust and independent PM Associations based on our competency standards. It would also provide a mechanism, through joint recognition, for members certified by AIPM to have their certification internationally recognised. Discussions with the IPMA Board are progressing well with the intent for AIPM to take a strategic leadership position for Asia Pacific within IPMA.

I wish you and your families a happy and a healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Dr David Dombkins

National President