HOW THE IDI FUNCTIONS
The IDI is run on a voluntary basis by its members with the assistance of an Executive Officer. There are three basic organisational units, namely Officers, Council and Committees.
1. Officers
The officer team consists of three presidential members (current president, immediate past-president, and president-elect), the honorary treasurer, honorary secretary, and our executive officer.
Officers' meetings take place on a regular monthly basis, generally a week in advance of Council's meeting. Additional meetings occur spontaneously as needs dictate.The Officers look after the day-to-day running of the Institute. Particular issues arising are discussed and a resolution agreed, which is then presented to Council for approval.
2. Council
Council consists of the Officers and two representatives from each of the Institute's sections, elected on an annual basis. In addition, up to four additional members may be co-opted onto Council to fulfill specific requirements.
Our Design Ireland board member is co-opted onto Council to facilitate regular communication concerning the Institute's interests in Design Ireland.
Similarly, we have a student representative co-opted onto Council. This position should in time be filled by an elected representative of the student membership.
Council meets once a month to discuss the Institute's on-going activities and initiatives. Issues which do, or should, concern our members are discussed and decisions made.
The Officers report on issues of finance and membership, while section representatives report on activities and issues relevant to their section disciplines.
Reports are made by Council members on behalf of the Committees in which they are involved.
Council sanctions initiatives, events and activities, discusses the Institute's policies and responds to specific questions which arise within the profession.
3. Committees
Real action takes place at Committee / Working Group level. Committees are formed to address and implement the Institutes initiatives and policies. While each Committee will include a Council member, the Committee's strength lies in its freedom from the formality and protocol of set monthly meetings throughout the year.
Committees deal with specific tasks and are not burdened with the general operations of the Institute. Committees report on a monthly basis to Council during their period of activity, touching base with relevant Council members between meetings as activities demand it.
The health of the Institute is dependent on the inclusion of as wide a range of members as possible at Committee level. Their involvement helps spread the workload.
Furthermore, activity at Committee level introduces members to the structures and initiatives of the IDI. These members will, with time, be involved at Council and Officer level, thereby ensuring regeneration within the Institute.