The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) prides itself on developing talented professionals that will drive the sector into the future. Over the coming months, there are a wide variety of IQ events and projects available for members and the industry to attain new knowledge, guidance and continuing professional development (CPD), as well as a new grant opportunity for members.
Regional IQ branches are a great supportive source, with a proactive programme of events when it comes to offering CPD opportunities. A selection of both face-to-face and online formats of technical and networking events continue to be organised by industry professionals within our membership network, making events more varied and accessible than ever.
The IQ Yorkshire Branch will hold its annual dinner dance this month, which offers an enjoyable evening for colleagues and friends across the industry to socialise and network. It is always great to see IQ’s community of members coming together to celebrate their hard work and achievements.
On a personal level, I look forward to attending and networking at the upcoming Scottish Branch Health and Safety CPD Day, which provides an opportunity to receive first-hand updates on topics that are critical to the way in which we work on a daily basis.
Aside from events, one of the most notable opportunities for IQ members is the launch of the Emerald Challenge, a grant that has been created to support and recognise members as they develop projects and research ideas to help their organisations and the wider industry meet the global challenges of sustainability. This includes areas such as decarbonisation and biodiversity.
A grant of £5,000 will be awarded annually to either an IQ technical member (TMIQ), member (MIQ) or fellow (FIQ) to develop ideas that directly contribute to an organisation’s goals towards achieving Net Zero Carbon. The challenge comes from the mind of long-standing member Steve Cole FIQ, who has generously donated the prize fund for the first year of the challenge.
As President, I am immensely proud that we have members like Steve who are supporting the IQ as it strives to play a big part in delivering a more sustainable future, and showcasing the important role we play as one of the key manufacturing sectors.
Outside of the IQ, I am excited to hear that the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC) and the Mineral Products Association’s (MPA) Safequarry websites are being relaunched, with both receiving a refresh and redesign. Behind the scenes, many individuals and organisations have worked collectively to bring the two sites closer together.
Working in collaboration on projects like these ensure that support and guidance remain aligned and consistent throughout the industry. We can all agree that the best way to achieve better outcomes in health and safety is by working together and committing to shared agendas.
Our industry and profession is changing and evolving. For IQ, it is important that we continue to support ongoing professional development and celebrate the innovations that will deliver a better future.