Going global just part of
SCI platform for future success
Andrew Ladds spearheads Membership
Needs Project to lay the foundation for the society’s ten-year
strategy
 At
the end of August 2005, we began a substantial planning project
designed to determine our future strategy for the next ten
years and to develop a business plan to take us there. The
project will be based on the vision for SCI that I described
in last month’s SCI Members' News, the details of which
I presented to Council on 6 July, AGM Day.
Before beginning this project, we asked many questions, challenging
activities which appear to be less relevant today. We have
also been looking outwards much more, to ensure that we develop
SCI in a way that recognises the changing character of the
chemical industry on both a domestic and global level.
Most importantly, we have been analysing carefully the future
needs of our Members and the needs of those we would like
to have as Members or customers of SCI.
Membership Needs Project
During June and July, we conducted a research project to help
us define more precisely Members’ needs and attitudes
to SCI. We combined internal resources from the membership
support team and an external change management resource to
perform the work.
Members see and use SCI in many different ways, partly depending
on their age, work background, geographical location, and
preferred level of involvement. Responses to many of the questions
varied considerably but trends emerged relating to the level
of engagement Members’ wished to pursue. The way Members
see SCI also seems to relate to historic inconsistency of
the delivery of SCI services through Groups, Sections, centrally-run
events, publications and the website.
Satisfaction levels relating to most products, services and
facilities was positive and the huge contribution made by
volunteers was recognised and appreciated.
The clear messages that were derived from this modest research
project were:
- The need to more clearly define SCI’s unique selling
point and Membership benefits portfolio, and the ‘value’
that Members can derive from SCI Membership;
- The need for clearer communication and direction;
- The need for cohesion between SCI activities, outputs
and services.
- General satisfaction with current outputs, high level
of appreciation for the networks that SCI creates, and high
satisfaction with its global development objectives.
This work has given us an update of UK attitudes. We will
also research views and opinions from our Sections in the
US, Canada and Australia, and this process has already begun,
as I spend time with the leaders and Members in each geographical
area.
Focused research will then be undertaken within the potential
target area for SCI’s global development, of the EU,
India, China and Southeast Asia. Membership needs and perceptions
will differ, and we will seek to tailor our Membership package
to accommodate the scientific, cultural and social needs of
these markets. During our planning project, consultation will
be paramount.
SCI has a heritage of achievement and recognition. It is
now time to take this to new levels, and recognise the qualities
and contributions of so many people with an Award system,
which is modern and sought-after by Members and those in the
chemical and scientific industries. Let’s also ensure
that our planning process seeks to engage and stimulate younger
people with interest and vision to enjoy and work in the areas
of chemistry and science. In time, they will use SCI networks
and conduits to industry and business, strengthen SCI’s
Membership and provide tomorrow’s leadership.
We have much to accomplish in our own planning projects during
the next three months. If any members would like to assist
the process, then please let me know by emailing me at andrew.ladds@soci.org;
I would welcome your contribution.
By Andrew Ladds
SCI General Secretary & Chief Executive
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