We have now established a really great programme for May's Event in Poole which incorporates our AGM. It has the title "Meeting the Challenge" and my thoughts are that over recent years there has been a good deal of new or revised legislation and changes in perception. Workers, regulators and public expect low doses and near to zero discharges etc , so how is the industry managing in this environment? This will be a good opportunity to update your knowledge and see how others are managing.

Towards the end of January we had a shorter Council Meeting (I now hold the record for the shortest meeting; finishing at 1:30 pm despite a full agenda!) so we could spend the next day and a half on a Strategy Workshop. We are now around half-way through our Strategic Plan (2009-2013) so felt that now is the right time to review our progress and ensure we remain correctly focused. The original plan had some firm actions in the first couple of years but these become less defined beyond that, partly because in some cases the next phase was dependant on the earlier actions. We are also at the stage where some fairly difficult decisions need to be made and they are not without risk. We need to ensure we have a firm financial strategy encompassing all of this. Around 25 people were present which included members of the Council and representatives (mostly chairpersons) from the various Committees. There were a number of good ideas which were distilled down into some manageable actions which we will take forward. Everyone participated enthusiastically and although it was an exhausting couple of days, it was extremely rewarding. Thanks everyone who was there. We need to tidy up the output a bit but will aim to provide feedback during the meeting in Poole.

Roger Coates attended the Council Meeting to update us on IRPA13 progress which is now just over a year away and closing in rapidly. Now is the time to seriously consider abstracts for those presentations and posters you might be submitting, to buy up stands if you are promoting your Company's products /services and to volunteer in any capacity. Please keep a close eye on developments on the IRPA 13 website which you can access by clicking on the link form our homepage.

Many of the meetings we have held recently having been at the Birmingham & Midland Institute in Birmingham. This is a departure from the traditional meeting venues but provides good value for money and is more central for those coming from all parts of the country. This may be something we may consider as a more permanent venue in the future. I am actually becoming quite an expert with Birmingham city centre!

Richard Wilkins