The III and its members are not immune from the economic conditions, which affect the industry we serve. The success of any commercial activity relies on the quality and expertise of the professionals that do the job. Education and other professional development programmes are integral to the success of any company. The III has been at the forefront providing such services, thus contributing to the global recognition of Ireland as an advanced knowledge economy. In addition to our reputation as amongst the most educated in the world, the Irish insurance professionals, through the programmes provided by the organisation, have been a major contributor to the continued success of the insurance industry in Ireland.

2010 is not only the year of the 125th anniversary; it is also the 2nd year of the Strategic Plan, 'Your Profession - Our Priority'. The plan was devised in recognition of the changing times we live and work in. The need to embark upon a course of internal renewal was evident, even before the full extent of the economic crises was revealed. A 'back to basics' approach was taken by the body in order to identify if the professional needs of members were being met and addressed. In order to form an accurate and objective picture of its market position, extensive research was commissioned, and from this a radical plan emerged. The plan took shape under the able direction and guidance of past presidents Aidan Cassells, Adrienne O'Sullivan, and Chair of the Executive Committee, Malcolm Hughes.
It is a daunting, yet exciting task to assume the role of President at a time of continuing frantic development. During the first year of the strategic plan, internal restructuring was completed, and the first ever National CPD Programme introduced. The plan for this year, my year as President, promises to be even more dynamic for the III, and in particular its membership.

My central focus as President will be the members, ensuring that they benefit from their participation and interaction with the organisation. Coming from a Life company, I also want to ensure that our joint members with the LIA enjoy real value from the Institute. In support of this focus, the following major projects are in hand during the coming year:

• New Education Strategy
• Accreditation of CIP qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications
• New CPD Programme, included in subscription fee
• New Online Student + Membership Services
• New Online Learning Management System
• New Corporate Design
• New Website
• Key Account Managers

All these initiatives are intended to continue to create a professional learning experience, which is in step with the needs and expectations of the members.
I am aware of the ever-evolving profile of the membership body, and the fact that differing age groups are at different stages of career progression and professional development. In recognition of this, a greatly enhanced online member and student service platform will be introduced shortly. This service will be very user friendly and provide greater access and proximity to the Institute.

Later in the year a major online Learning Management System will also be introduced. This is being developed in partnership with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in the UK and will support not only CIP and current CPD members but will also address some of the professional needs of our Associate and Fellow members.

This is to form part of the re-invigorated strategic relationship with the CII. I am delighted to announce that Laurence Baxter, Head of Policy and Research of the CII, has kindly agreed to join the Professional Standards Advisory Board - General Insurance (PSAB-GI).This will be a two way process; the localisation of CPD requirements of Associates and Fellows through the PSAB-GI will be greatly smoothed by the presence of Laurence. On the other hand, Ireland is more advanced in the area of statutory regulation compared to the UK and so the CII will have much to benefit from the PSAB-GI's experience in this field.

Substantial investment and effort will be devoted to those members embarking on the programme towards achieving the ultimate professional accolade of Fellowship. The III will enthusiastically support this section of the membership as they represent the greatest element of intellectual capital in the profession. Partnerships with various Universities are being explored, in order to generate challenging papers and research, which will benefit our advanced members.

Supporting this journey is the decision to become fully involved with the School of Professional Finance (SPF), which is an external school of University College Dublin (UCD). In addition to facilitating the accreditation of the CIP qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland (NFQ), we also hope that it will encourage the further education and development of members towards degree level qualifications and beyond. Life long learning is not only a great source of professional success, but also of personal satisfaction; the will be proactive in pursuing this objective.

I realise that many aspects of the Strategic Plan, and I have only touched briefly on some of them, will be realised beyond my Presidency. I do appreciate that any contribution I make, together with the efforts of my predecessors, will advance the overall mission of the III, which by now has become the leading professional institute in the financial services sector.

The existence and success of the III as a professional and educational body has always been down to the dedication of its members. As President I am totally committed to ensuring that the members and their interests are central to all my efforts.

Denis Kelleher ACII QFA Chartered Insurer
President
The Insurance Institute of Ireland.