How We Work
IFST's activities are run through a not-for-profit, limit
liability company which was granted charitable status in November 2007. The
company's directors are the Board of Trustees. There is also an advisory
Council
elected by the membership. (View the company Memorandum and
Articles
and Bye-Laws )
IFST's organisational structure is based on 'clusters' of activity-oriented
groups and is designed to meet our continuing fundamental objectives whilst
retaining flexibility to accommodate shifts in emphasis and evolutionary
change. The
Committees, the Board, Working Groups, and Individual Operators (IOs) advise on
the
topics and activities for which they are responsible. Working Groups can also
be
set up to carry out specific tasks. IOs are tasked individuals who may operate
alone or with the aid of ad hoc groups for specific purposes.
Click here to view IFST organogram/diagram
Board of Trustees
is the governing and policy making body (legally also the
Board of Directors) of the company and consists of 7 Officers , (President , 3
Vice
Presidents, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, and the Immediate Past
President) and 2 'without portfolio' Trustees . An Independent Assessor,
responsible
for assessing the effectiveness with which the Board discharges its duties,
attends Board meetings but is not a Trustee.
Council
advises the Board and may make, or be requested to make, proposals to
the Board. Council consists of the 7 Officers (see above) plus a maximum of 17
Ordinary members who are elected by employment category and geographical
location
to ensure widespread representation. Council has specific powers to make
nominations. The Independent Assessor attends and provides reports to Council
but is not
a Council member.
Finance Committee
advises the Board on company financial matters and liaises
with the Trust Fund Trustees to ensure a holistic approach to IFST financial
policies. Chaired by the Hon Treasurer, its remit is to be extended in phases
as
amalgamation with the Trust Fund proceeds.
Administration
- The Chief Executive (CE), works with the Board and Council on resource
planning, management priorities, development
and
legal and financial aspects. The CE is supported by 4 staff in implementing
IFST
policies and fulfilling plans.
Professional Affairs Cluster
coordinates activities for membership elections,
standards, conduct, services, recruitment, chartered status, education and
accreditation. (Clustered Committees include Membership, Membership
Development,
Education & Accreditation)
External Affairs Cluster
coordinates activities on publishing (including the
internet), representing the profession, public information, PR, IFST profile
and
technical information. (Clustered Committees include Public Affairs,
Publications,
Technical & Legislative)
Regional & Specialist Affairs Cluster
coordinates regional activities,
subject specialist activities and meetings. (Clustered Committees include the
Regional Branches, the Professional Groups and Special Interest Groups).
Professional Groups
- Two professional groups provide food microbiologists and
food sensory scientists who are members of IFST with a further means of
collective professional activity and additional recognised status.
Regional Branches
- some UK regions have active regional branches to enable
members to associate professionally and socially.
Special Interest Groups
- provide opportunities for members with common subject
interests to come together professionally.
Click here to view IFST Equal Opportunities Policy