The MemberWise Network is unique as being the only Network led by association and membership professionals. A core part of our team are the MemberWise Ambassadors; a group of practising membership professionals specialising in a specific area that we consider core and crucial to the world of membership such as engagement, recruitment and value.

In recent years, we have branched out into complementary areas such as governance, leadership, communications and PR, and people/volunteer management in order to show how the membership role requires broader business insight and experience.

We are now pleased to announce that we have appointed a second Ambassador to work alongside Joni Tyler at RIBA in the area of CPD and Learning: Katherine Bunting, Head of Professional Development at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Let’s get to know Katherine, who’ll be championing this important area of activity…

How did you get into membership?

I never had an ambition to work within a membership organisation.  I fell into my first membership role and then as my experience and skills grew, I found I really enjoyed the roles I was doing.

What is your current role at the IET?

In my current role I lead the Professional Development Team, providing services to members to help them build and maintain the competences required for Professional Registration and support their subsequent engineering careers. I directly manage five people and the wider team is thirteen people strong, but ever-expanding.  I am also committed to encouraging our members and all those in the engineering profession to recognise the importance of CPD and keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date through planned professional development.

How will you champion your ambassador subject area: CPD and Learning?

I am keen to talk to others about CPD and Professional Development, sharing stories and talking about best practice, we can grow in knowledge together.

If you could give advice to another membership professional, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to advocate for change.  Changing processes for the right reason can be very powerful and with the right communication, excellent for the members.

Tell us something unusual about you!

I am a classically trained Soprano and have sung at over 100 weddings.

The MemberWise Team welcomes Katherine on board as MemberWise Ambassador (CPD and Learning).