Having made the decision to transition from Corporate Affiliate Membership to establishing a Company Membership Scheme (CMS) for their nuclear sector employees, Wood’s Senior Leadership Team rapidly implemented an in-company enrolment scheme, including a commitment by participants to undertake voluntary CSR activities, such as STEM outreach.
Following internal promotion, an initial cohort of 43 Wood employees are already enrolled through the scheme. Two NI Introductory workshops were scheduled and delivered online during lunch hours, enabling the maximum number of people to attend. The sessions covered Wood’s commitment to support employee participation and a presentation, delivered by NI's Andy McIvor, introducing the NI communities and the wide range of opportunities to get involved. The sessions also introduced explaining the professional membership and registration pathways available through the Institute.
Indicative of Wood’s commitment to supporting professional recognition through the NI, a group of experienced Directors and Heads of Profession are actively working towards election as Fellows of the NI (FNucI).
A follow-up workshop was organised by Tina Bowen, Capability & Systems Director, and supported by an experienced NI Assessor. The workshop explored the evidence required to meet the Nuclear Delta® professional standard, plus the additional evidence of significant individual contribution to the nuclear sector required for election as FNucI.
Through Wood’s Company Membership Scheme, the applicants have access to NI Assessors to raise queries and to discuss their draft applications and supporting evidence.
By starting with a group of Senior leaders, many of whom are accountable for maintaining the capability and currency of their technical teams, Wood are demonstrating the importance of maintaining high standards of nuclear professionalism across the business. By leading from the front, the leadership team are setting high expectations and will be well placed to support their team members towards professional membership with the NI.
David Boath (Vice President & Chief Engineer) commented that “Wood are pleased to support the objectives of the NI and promote nuclear professionalism in our workforce. Supporting the NI in local branches, WiN and YGN activities also helps us to deliver our corporate commitment to the Nuclear Industry, STEM and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda”.
Andy McIvor said, “It is fantastic to be working with the team at Wood, who are seeking tangible and lasting benefit from their NI CMS. They have been very clear from day one about the commitment they require from their team members in return for supporting their NI membership as a route to professional recognition. We look forward to supporting all the Wood employee members as the scheme evolves”.