Conference 2016: College of Fellows In this feature professional recognition achievement annual lecture The Institute Celebrates Success Recognition and awards abound in a keynote session at CTSI Conference A feature of CTSI Conference is the recognition of individuals and organisations that work in consumer protection and trading standards. Launched at the Manchester Conference in 2007, The Institute Celebrates Success event has developed into a keynote session of the programme and highlights achievements in the sector. Initiated by the College of Fellows (CoF), a charity that has supported the profession for decades, the session provides a platform to recognise institute members who have made an outstanding contribution to the service by awarding them fellowship. Graduates of the Trading Standards Qualifications Framework (TSQF) also receive their awards in the various disciplines of the profession. The installation of new Fellows was originally a feature of the institutes annual general meeting (AGM), held on the final day of conference and overseen by the College orator. Today, however, it takes place within The Institute Celebrates Success session, alongside the College Annual Lecture. College orator Ron Gainsford assumes the role of Master of Ceremonies. From relatively small beginnings as a somewhat fringe event less than 10 years ago, the session now takes centre stage on the first afternoon of Conference. Past lectures Carol Brady, current chair of the CTSI Board, presented her paper From Bootleggers to Bombs and Boards in last years lecture. She described her fascinating career, moving from being a supernumerary in a local authority to a senior management role within the Local Better Regulation Office now the Better Regulation Delivery Office and a senior ombudsman for the Office of Legal Complaints. A description of how she had experienced a 007 style escape from an assignment in Beirut, via a tortuous overland journey through Syria to Damascus airport, was a highlight of the lecture. It is an opportunity for the service to acknowledge the commitment they have all made The first College lecturer, Robin Middleton, took up an appointment as the first Secretary of States Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (Sosrep) after a notable trading standards career. Middleton described his eight years in the Sosrep role and his involvement in more than 400 incidents including the much-publicised salvage of the MSC Napoli. His performance in the role resulted in Middleton being awarded a CBE and receiving the prestigious Lloyds List Award. He was described in the citation as a role model worldwide. Both speakers brought inspirational messages to their presentations, demonstrating that they are committed trading standards professionals who through enthusiasm and developing knowledge were able to develop skills acquired in their early careers. 2016 lecture This year, we welcome Jay Moran, of Cheshire East Council, who spent time with standards agencies in Florida, USA, in the summer of 2015. Moran studied working practices and management within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, after being awarded an overseas bursary by the College of Fellows. He was also invited to speak at the State Conference, and his findings and recommendations from this highly successful trip will feature in the 2016 lecture. Final fanfare The culmination of the Celebrates Success session and the high point for many attendees is the awards ceremony for the many graduates of the TSQF. It is an opportunity for the service to acknowledge the commitment they have all made, and to wish them well as they embark on and progress in their careers. To those who have qualified with distinction, there is a special acknowledgement through specific awards conferred by the CoF and outside sponsors. The College of Fellows looks forward to Telford 2016 and to welcoming all who attend at 4pm on 21 June, when we will once again support, recognise and acknowledge the achievements of our professional colleagues. WHO WE ARE The College of Fellows, founded in 1951, is a charity that promotes educational and research activities, as well as providing support to members and their families facing difficult circumstances. Any member of the CTSI, seconded and supported by six other members, can nominate a member for Fellowship. This offers recognition to those who have gone the extra mile for the profession and CTSI. A nominee can be: Any member of long standing, normally 10 years, who has: l Made an original and exceptional contribution to trading standards by way of research, initiative or otherwise, and/or l Rendered outstanding and distinguished service to the objectives that the institute serves. Credits Bob Wright is a CTSI vice-president Images: Oleg Kozlov / Shutterstock To share this page, in the toolbar click on You might also like Family matters August 2015