Trustee board update – September 2024

We kicked off our fourth and final trustee board meeting of the 2023-2024 year with a welcome to our new trustee, Dr Ohis Ilalokhoin.

He joined as an observer ahead of formally becoming a member of the trustee board in November.

2025 plan

Having discussed the ideas for the 2025 plan at our last meeting and provided some feedback, we signed off the ICE Plan 2025 and also discussed the innovative work of 2023-2024 Presidents’ Future Leaders (PFL).

There was a discussion about the need to enable them to test ideas, innovate and engage with external stakeholders for funding and knowledge sharing.

It was agreed that the PFL’s work will continue in the next year and a budget be allocated to further develop their nature-positive platform idea.

We reviewed the draft budget for 2025 which will be signed off in November.

I'm excited to see what the ICE has planned for 2025 and will be working alongside all of you to deliver a nature- and people- positive future.

ICE cybersecurity

With cyber risk changing on an almost daily basis, it’s imperative that the ICE has a good plan and governance in place to ensure the organisation and its members are as protected as possible.

The trustees welcomed a presentation from the finance director, who talked about the progress that has been made in this area over the last year, and the plans for the future.

I would like to thank those on the Audit Committee and the Finance and Risk Committee for all their help in supporting the development and delivery of this important strand of work.

ICE’s people plan

The ICE staff are the backbone of the organisation, working diligently to deliver the vision set by the trustees.

Over the last year, I have seen firsthand how dedicated the ICE team is and I was delighted to hear the executive team’s plans to ensure they continue to develop and engage the workforce.

The trustees agreed with the need to further develop the employee value proposition and rebalance workload with employee wellbeing.

We welcomed the efforts that have been made to improve internal communications and employee recognition over the last year.

Trustee board

As well as welcoming Dr. Ohis Ilalokhoin who will become the trustee for learning society, I was able to confirm the portfolios of those trustees who have been re-elected for a second term:

• Jonathan Spruce – policy and public affairs
• Paula McMahon – professional conduct and ethics
• Richard Bayfield – UK regions, Richard will also take up his position as Vice President from November

At this meeting, trustees were also able to select the portfolio for the next nominated trustee.

For the last five years the portfolio has been communications, with Liz Waugh as the nominated trustee.

Trustees decided that in a rapidly changing societal landscape, having communications represented on the trustee board is imperative and the portfolio for the nominated trustee would remain communications.

The process of selecting the next nominated trustee will start shortly, with more information on the role specification available on the ICE website from 5 November.

Thank you

This was my last meeting as president and chair of the trustee board.

The year has gone by fast. I’m hugely grateful for all the support from the trustee board, ICE staff and particularly the regional and international members who’ve actively engaged with me and warmly welcomed me with open arms on every visit.

I remain committed to my theme of working towards building a nature- and people-positive world and supporting the ICE in delivering its ambition.

I am delighted to be handing over the presidency to Professor Jim Hall and working with him in the coming year.