June 2004
Change of name for Institute of Plumbing
At the Institute's AGM on 4th June, it was announced that corporate members had voted overwhelmingly for a name change. From now on, the Institute’s full title will be the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE).Members believe that the new title better reflects their scope of work and firmly identifies plumbing and heating as an engineering discipline. Andy Watts, chief executive of the IPHE said: “As the Institute approaches its centenary in 2006 we will continue our work to be the technical heart of the industry. I welcome the change of title because it makes it clear that we are the professional body for the whole of the plumbing and heating industry.”
This is the second time the Institute has undergone a name change. It was founded in 1906 and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1907 by the National Association of Master Plumbers. Known then as the Institute of Plumbers, its original objectives related to development of both the industrial and technical aspects of the plumbing trade. Membership was restricted to plumbers in business.
In 1957, the Institute's constitution was revised and its title changed to the Institute of Plumbing. Membership was extended to any individual holding technical qualifications irrespective of their position in the industry.
ENDS (218 WORDS)
JUNE 2004
Note to editors
In the late 1960s discussions began between the Institute and the Registered Plumbers Association (RPA) to bring about a merger of the two bodies. The main role of the RPA was to manage the Register of Plumbers on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers - the origins of which date back to 1365.
The amalgamation of the IoP and RPA took place on 10 January 1970. The new Institute was charged with the task of further developing technical and educational work; the recognition of qualified plumbing professionals and the pursuit of better standards.
In 1979 the Institute became a registered educational charity in recognition of its work in the public interest. 1986 marked the centenary of the Register of Plumbers, which was started by the Worshipful Company on 21 July 1886 to identify competent and responsible plumbers in the absence of any statutory regulation in the UK - a position which still exists today. The centenary was celebrated by a gathering of over 700 Registered Plumbers at Guildhall, London where special Centenary Certificates were presented.
In 2000, to mark the new millennium, the Institute was granted Arms by the College of Heralds. The motto “Competence and Commitment” aptly describes the Institute’s work as a professional body.
Another successful Conference
It seems that every year delegates attending the Institute of Plumbing’s Conference, say: “This is the best event ever!” And this year was no exception. The media was also drawn to the Institute’s flagship event. It was mentioned on BBC 1 Business News and BBC Radio Norfolk. Sally Hardcastle from BBC World Service paid a visit to the Conference and interviewed a few delegates for her business programme.Held in Norwich from 3rd to 6th June, the Conference attracted 250 delegates, families and exhibitors. On Thursday evening Barbara Field, editor of HVP magazine presented certificates to winners of the HVP/IoP competition at a drinks reception in the hotel. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Chris Southgate, opened the proceedings on Friday morning and Conference Chairman Alan Woollaston introduced the speakers over the two-day period.
This year delegates heard from a number of key people involved in the industry including Keith Marshall, CEO of SummitSkills; Dr Howard Porter, Thermostatic Mixing Valve Association; Martin Shouler, BRE; John Claxton, Health & Safety Executive and Peter Denard, County Chief Trading Standards Officer.
The AGM took place on Friday afternoon and Len Gold EngTech MIP RP was elected as the new National President. Tony Brunton IEng LCGI FIOP RP is now Vice-President. Members voted overwhelmingly for the name of the Institute of Plumbing to be changed to the Institute of Plumbing &: Heating Engineering. The Chief Executive, Andy Watts, said: “This may be our last Conference under the IoP banner, but I’m confident that future IPHE Conferences will go from strength to strength.”
On Friday evening delegates and their partners attended an informal drinks reception at the Civic Hall, which was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Norwich. Afterwards they had a visit to Origins in the town centre.
On Saturday there was a good mix of technical presentations throughout the day. The new President, Len Gold, closed the conference and thanked the stewards, Alan Woollaston, the Head Office team and sponsors for all their help. The event finished with the traditional Gala Dinner.
ENDS (343 WORDS)
JUNE 2004