As the IAM works on development, we have been prompted to think about how best to ensure that you, our members, benefit from being a part of something that is both local and global, says Managing Director Andy Watts T The level of asset management maturity across the world differs greatly. As such the support, guidance, and leadership the IAM provides must recognise this and respond appropriately raditionally, all our members have joined the IAM through a single gateway, managed by the IAM Centre based in the UK, regardless of which country they live in. This membership has given them access to all the IAMs knowledge and support, as well as the option to associate themselves with one or more of our Chapters Chapters being responsible for engaging with members locally in a specific country or region. As we grow and see wider international interest in the IAM, there is a need to ensure we meet the strong local differences in needs and expectations from a diverse range of geographies and the individuals and organisations that are based or work within them. The level of asset management maturity across the world differs greatly. As such, the support, guidance and leadership the IAM provides must recognise this and respond appropriately. Membership and Professional Development Manager Jodie Williamson said: For me, its about ensuring that you, as members, benefit from the recognition and gravitas that comes from a global Institute, while maximising the support and connection on a local level, delivered by individuals who understand the cultural and professional context that youre working in. So, through joining an IAM Chapter directly, as a gateway to the global institute, there is an increased feeling of local engagement, though still a pathway to global networking. Our Chapter and Branch events are best placed to allow you to meet other members and network with those working in the same region as you. They understand the local challenges you face, such as government pressures and the environment you work in. Meanwhile, global events provide an opportunity for you to meet and network with members from around the world, who might bring a new perspective and new ideas not yet addressed and considered locally. During 2022, we are transforming the IAM to facilitate this further, giving us the opportunity to explore how we can ensure that knowledge development happens at both a local level, to meet local needs in local languages, as well as the global level, for example, the work on publications such as Subject Specific Guidelines (SSGs). Through a truly global but local organisation, we can develop a much greater body of knowledge, wider-reaching engagement and networking, and a feeling of local ownership. Historically, our knowledge projects have been based on global prioritisation; that is, the projects delivered are those that are of interest to the most members around the world. This means that projects with a local focus, which may not be of interest elsewhere in the world, may have been overlooked. With Chapters taking a lead on developing knowledge, using defined processes to ensure that they are produced to an adequate standard, these local projects will flourish and meet the local need. Of course, there will always be a case for knowledge projects that are relevant for everyone, and these will continue to be developed through the Centre for the benefit of all, ensuring that asset management best practice from around the world is shared. Andy andy.watts@theIAM.org