IPSE-USA: What an amazing piece of news! Not something I could have imagined even three years ago when I first became Chairman. And what an amazing legacy to leave.
Because, ladies and gentlemen, not to overload you with IPSE news today, but I have my own small announcement to make. On the tenth of July, after three years, I’ll be stepping down as Chairman of IPSE. I’ll be handing over to the brilliant Caroline Morgan, a project manager and business analyst, with a wealth of experience in the private and public sector. She has been a member of our board for four years and also heads up our Women in Freelancing Network.
And I have every confidence she will not only keep this ship steady but also sail it to exciting new waters. Not least across the Atlantic!
That’s the truly wonderful thing about being Chair of IPSE. The work you do may not always be right in the public eye. More often than not you’re keeping things steady behind the scenes. But from there you can look out on the stage and see this amazing organisation grow and grow.
Since I first got involved in IPSE’s governance I’ve seen National Freelancers Day grow from a simple evening affair to a national extravaganza in this stunning venue. I’ve seen IPSE expand from just a campaigning body to a life support system for our members. And I’ve seen us grow from the voice of UK self-employment to an international force to be reckoned with. And you know the most amazing thing about it?
I’ve been able to get involved in running all this just from being an average member – a jobbing freelancer. There aren’t many organisations out there where an average member could rise up to all that.
- Could have the chance to represent the views of freelancers to government ministers.
- Could debate policy and strategy with top civil servants.
- Could even be invited to speak at a seminar on self-employment in Washington DC.
And when it gets to the eleventh of July when I formally step down I’ll go back to being just what I was again an average member.
When I do though, I’ll know two things.
- First, like all our other members I’ll know that IPSE’s got my back. I’ll know that if I’m ill or called up for jury service it’s got me covered. I’ll know that through IPSE Advantages it’s getting the best deals for me. And I’ll know that it’s standing up for me in government and industry.
- Second, I’ll know that along with all the opportunities this post has given me I’ve also been able to hand on an IPSE which I hope you’ll agree is bigger and better than it was three years ago.
I was asked by a member recently coming to the end of my term did I have any regrets? Would I be writing down a lamentable list of things I wished I’d done differently?
Well, not really, no.
To channel old blue eyes: regrets? I’ve had a…. well actually, I don’t think I have any. I can honestly say that in three years I have no lasting regrets. No things I wish I’d done differently. (Because, after all, I did them my way!)
But it really has been a pleasure and a privilege to chair an organisation like IPSE. And in my time here, I’ve done my best to do justice to that. And I’m certain that in three years’ time when this amazing organisation has gone on to even greater things Caroline will be able to say exactly the same at an even bigger and better National Freelancers Day in goodness knows what spectacular venue.
And I hope to see you all there.
Thank you.