WIREDGOV

Socitm, the organisation for ICT and associated professionals in the public sector, has appointed a Head of Membership to develop member services and build the depth and breadth of its membership.

The appointment of Ellen Jessett, a former Chief Executive of the Institution of Fire Engineers, signals commitment by Socitm to follow through on last year’s decision to open up membership to ICT and related professionals at all career stages, working in or for all parts of the public and third sectors.

This is the first time the Socitm has had a full time Head of Membership, which is one of three new posts created this year to develop the management team as Socitm diversifies its membership and broadens its role and activities. The two other posts are Head of Policy (filled by martin Ferguson in May) and Head of Business Relationships and Commercial Development, which is currently being recruited.

Ellen has a strong track record in general management and membership services within professional organisations. Most recently, she spent six years as Chief Executive of the Institution of Fire Engineers, an organisation with 11,000 members and 36 branches worldwide.

Among her achievements in this role was to build membership among fire engineers, newly recognised in 1999 as a distinct engineering discipline. This extended the primary focus of the organisation from fire and rescue services to thebroader fire engineering sector. Prior to that, Ellen spent ten years in a range of membership-building roles at the 27,000-strong Institution of Chemical Engineers

“Socitm is poised to extend significantly its reach and influence with ICT professionals’ says Ellen. ‘I’m really excited to have the opportunity to be part of this – ICT is changing all of our lives and Socitm members are well placed to be leading that change. I can’t wait to get started.’

Adrian Hancock, Socitm Managing Director adds: “Ellen brings with her much experience developed over many years professional membership organisations all of it highly relevant to what we are aiming to achieve at Socitm. We are extremely pleased to have her as part of our growing professional team and look forward to her contribution to the growth and diversification of our membership”

Ellen takes up her appointment on November 1 but will be attending Socitm 2009, 11-13 October in Edinburgh.

A print quality image of Ellen is available on request

Further information:

Vicky Sargent Tel: 07726 601 139

Socitm Press Office vicky.sargent@socitm.net 


Adrian Hancock Tel: 07887 781612

Managing Director adrian.hancock@socitm.gov.uk