The essence of our industry

Reflecting on my first month in the role of IQ President, I feel it is already a privilege to serve as leader of an organization that is set on driving standards and improving competencies globally for our sector.

During October’s International Presidents’ Meeting in Adelaide, Australia, I found the sense of camaraderie between counterparts and myself to be a real demonstration of how allied our global challenges, aspirations, and achievements are. Sharing experiences and building links, together we discussed the importance of working collaboratively to raise standards and develop skilled, highly competent individuals to take our industry forward.

I felt proud to suggest to an international platform that by instigating the initiatives that are successfully attracting UK school leavers to the industry, such as Minerals Matter, the wheel need not be reinvented. Minerals Matter is a prime example of an organization that is engaging young people with our sector and the opportunities it presents for job satisfaction, career development, and the chance to make a difference within an evolving industry. On the global stage we can also share our experiences of how education is delivered and aligned with our National Occupational Standards in the UK, and how the QNJAC industry collaboration model continues to give its informed guidance in accordance with those standards.

Back on home ground and the IQ CPD Health and Safety Days have been in full swing, effectively demonstrating their importance in supporting members and encouraging engagement with quality CPD. This year’s event programme is still under way having already successfully covered a range of industry-relevant topics and highlighted issues we all need to be aware of. To my mind, one of the key objectives of IQ is to eliminate industry complacency by encouraging its members to continually develop and maintain their knowledge. These IQ CPD events lend themselves to ‘in field’ discussions, learning, and networking, and I truly recognize the part our branch structure plays in creating important opportunities that demonstrate the essence of the IQ family.

I can also report that through collaborative efforts during the IQ Board Strategy Meeting, our goal to ensure that plans and processes reflect the vision of the Strategic Safety Forum (SSF) is gathering traction; with our initial focus placed on addressing the core standards to be met in defining supervisory and management roles within operating quarries.

To the month ahead and I am looking forward to hosting my first IQ Fellows’ Lunch and Student Awards on 8 November. It is always a privilege to share the successes of our minerals students’ personal and professional development, often achieved whilst balancing work and family life. The contribution their enhanced knowledge brings to the industry shapes it for the future, and I thank them for their dedication to learning which will result in a more sustainable and safer sector for us all.

Ben Williams