60 seconds with Kate Blades Kate Blades is on the IAMs Membership Committee and head of quality at Lightsource bp. She explains more about falling into asset management, supporting IAM members and potential castle connections Why asset management? I have to say that for me it has definitely been a case of who you know because I was first introduced to the concept of asset management when I had the pleasure of working with Ursula Bryan, now our IAM CEO, when I was working in the National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) Engineering and Asset Management team. Having worked almost all of my career in quality and health and safety management, I was keen to explore opportunities to develop in other areas, particularly in relation to management systems and standards that could be complementary to ISO 9001 and ISO 45001. With a little encouragement and as part of directorate-wide professional development in asset management that was sponsored by Ursula, I joined a number of colleagues in successfully completing the IAM Certificate in Asset Management course. I really liked the simplicity and logic of the asset management landscape: I could immediately see the alignment of the ISO 55001 asset management standard with those for quality and health and safety. I went on to support NGET with its continued ISO 9001 and ISO 55001 certifications and have, in subsequent roles, looked at implementing integrated management systems and introducing asset management to new colleagues. How do you describe your job to your family and friends? I rather annoyingly tend to use the slogan it does what it says on the tin from an advertising campaign for Ronseal paint from years ago. I tell them that I help to provide the frameworks, management systems and tools to allow an organsation to do exactly what it says on the tin. I more often than not get the response whats Ronseal?, which leads on to a whole different conversation! I really liked the simplicity and logic of the asset management landscape Tell us more about your role on the IAMs Membership Committee? I most enjoy learning about others experiences and following the many different routes that individuals have taken to reach the point of making their application to become a Member [of the advanced membership grade MIAM]. There are so many different facets to asset management, so it is fascinating to see all of the different ways that the seven key competencies (policy development, strategy development, asset management planning, implement asset management plans, asset management capability development, risk management and performance improvement, and asset knowledge management) are demonstrated and the breadth of knowledge and experience that is brought by our members. I also enjoy engaging with the other committee volunteers to discuss topical issues and think about how we can continue to support the IAM and provide the best proposition in terms of the member grade. What are the current three most important issues for the profession? I think the most important issue across so many professions right now is that of the climate crisis and the need to change at pace. Infrastructure is responsible for a huge portion of greenhouse gas emissions. As asset managers, we have a big role to play in ensuring that our future infrastructure is decarbonised and more sustainable, and that we continue to look for ways to innovate and accelerate the transition to net zero. As a profession that has historically been dominated by engineers, I think its also important for us to continue to bring together people from different backgrounds and different disciplines, increasing our diversity of thought and helping us to manage our assets in new ways to meet the climate challenge. How do you like to relax? I feel at my most calm and relaxed when Im close to nature, in particular around water. I love walking with my wife, our son and our dog along the beautiful sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast around Alnmouth. Much of the coastline is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty and I feel especially lucky to live in such a picturesque part of the world with so many unspoiled places on my doorstep. Im also really interested in genealogy and try to spend some of my free time researching my family tree. Rumour has it that my family were once owners of Bamburgh Castle, so Im picking my way back through the generations to try to find out if thats true. Get involved The IAMs Membership Committee maintains a focus on the needs of existing members, particularly in the context of professional development. It also manages membership applications and transfers between membership grades. Read more about the group or contact the IAM to find out more and get involved Where in the world would you like to be right now? Actually, right here! We moved house recently from Newcastle upon Tyne to Alnwick in Northumberland, and Im very happy enjoying our new home, making it our own, exploring our new town and experiencing the wonderful countryside. I dont need much to make me happy and quite enjoy the simple things in life. If you werent doing your current role, what would you like to be doing? Thats a tricky one, as there are loads of things that Id like to have a go at. Given my love of being outdoors and among nature, I think Id enjoy a job that involved nature conservation or environmental protection in some way a different type of asset management. Being from north-east England, I also dont mind what the weather throws at me and so Id be quite happy being out in all seasons.