Paul Lynch vowed to “engage the engine of change” as he took over the reins of the presidency of the Institute of Management Consultants.
In his inaugural speech as president, he committed the IMC to a new principle of “inclusiveness”, bringing in newcomers to the profession, outside organisations and users of consultancy.
“If I talk of an Institute of Management Consultancy, you’ll get my meaning,” he said.
But Lynch stressed the continuity of his change programme with his predecessors:
“Three years ago Geoff Kitt outlined the need for change, saying: ‘if we do not change we will not be here in five years’.”
Under his successors, Dr Peter Tomkins and Barry Curnow, the “engine for change” was designed and started. Now Lynch says he plans to “accelerate through the gears”.
A paper, “Creating the New IMC” is being circulated to all members.
The key change is proposal of a “forum” route for involvement with IMC, allowing involvement for both individuals and organisations separately from qualification as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) or Certified Practice. The integrity of the CMC qualification will be maintained, but extra support will be given to those wishing to enter the profession.
It will also take more account of in-house training and other courses, and the possible development of an NVQ in consulting skills.
Next year will see pilot schemes being developed in anticipation that formal structures can be approved by next year’s AGM.
But Lynch stressed that all change would be in line with the underlying values of the IMC, which he described as “competence, practice,and integrity”.
“If only one of these values is missing, there are dire consequences for us all.”