Current Projects
Strategic IIESMS initiatives approved and overseen by National Council, drawing expertise from members as each project requires.
Projects governed by National Council
IIESMS projects are strategic initiatives approved and overseen by National Council. They are separate from the professional development, networking and sector activity carried out through the Institute's specialist groups.
Projects allow IIESMS to address organisation-wide priorities, develop partnerships, support research or policy work, and respond to opportunities that serve the Institute's wider purpose.
How IIESMS Projects Work
IIESMS projects are not owned or directed by individual specialist groups. They are considered, approved and overseen through National Council.
National Council is responsible for deciding whether a proposed project fits the Institute's strategic priorities, whether it is practical to deliver, and whether it has the right governance, expertise and resources behind it.
How expertise is drawn in
Although projects are governed by National Council, the expertise needed to deliver them may come from across the Institute. Depending on the project, IIESMS may draw on members of one or more specialist groups, members with relevant professional experience, general members with useful technical or project skills, and approved external partners where appropriate.
The key principle is that expertise is sourced according to the needs of the project, not according to which group proposed it.
Projects and specialist groups are different
Specialist groups support professional development, networking, CPD, discipline-specific discussion and member engagement within their field.
Projects serve a different purpose. They are structured initiatives that support wider organisational objectives, such as research, policy, partnerships, European collaboration, professional standards, member services or strategic development.
A specialist group may contribute expertise to a project, but the project remains subject to National Council review and oversight.
Proposing a project
Any IIESMS member may propose a project idea for National Council to consider. A proposal should explain the purpose of the project, the issue or opportunity it addresses, how it supports IIESMS objectives, what expertise may be required, and whether partners, funding or external stakeholders may be involved.
National Council will review project proposals and decide whether they should progress, be refined, be deferred or not proceed.
Active Projects
Professional Standards Development
Developing and maintaining professional standards across our five disciplines, ensuring membership grades reflect current industry requirements and NFQ alignment.
European Partnerships
Collaboration with Erasmus+ partners including universities in Kosovo, Portugal, and Spain to advance education and professional development across borders.
Sector Group Initiatives
Sector-specific projects driven by each group committee, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within their professional discipline.
Have a project idea?
Members with a project idea are encouraged to submit a short proposal for consideration by National Council. The proposal does not need to be fully developed at the first stage, but it should clearly explain the idea, why it matters, and how it could support IIESMS members or the Institute's strategic work.
Related Project and Governance Pages
Useful next steps for members interested in IIESMS projects, governance and professional activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how IIESMS projects are proposed, approved and governed.
No. Projects are reviewed and overseen by National Council. Specialist groups may contribute expertise where relevant, but projects are not governed by individual groups.
Yes. Any IIESMS member may propose a project idea for National Council to consider.
Specialist groups focus on CPD, networking, professional discussion and discipline-specific engagement. Projects are strategic initiatives that support wider organisational objectives.
National Council decides whether a project should proceed, be refined, be deferred or not proceed.
Yes. Projects may draw expertise from any relevant part of the Institute, including specialist group members, general members and approved external partners where appropriate.