The current and future leadership of the Institute of Carpenters (IoC) has met with the organisation’s Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, for a successful meeting as it looks to the future.
The meeting saw IoC president Geoff Rhodes formally introduce Richard Galbraith as IOC President Designate ahead of his official start on April 22.
The Duchess was given strategic updates on the IoC’s work – discussing the evolving UK craft skills landscape and the successful conclusion of the IOC Mentoring Champions programme.
New IoC initiatives include the WoodWork programme and the Wood Occupations Material Alliance (WOMA), a fresh venture for the sector.
The meeting also explored the potential for a Royal Charter and celebrated the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Merlane Trophy in 2027. HRH was also briefed on the upcoming IOC-NAS AGM and Members Day, which remains a cornerstone event for the professional community.
This year the IoC established The Duchess of Gloucester Award for the advancement of skills within the timber industry”. The new annual award is set to recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals who are making an outstanding and measurable contribution to addressing the critical skills needs of the timber industry.
At the meeting, IoC’s global reach was also shared, in terms of its international collaborations through TCE, including new connections in Berlin and France.
“The Duchess expressed her strong support for our mission, marking a positive and secure step forward for the IOC and our members,” said IoC president Geoff Rhodes.
The IOC is the home for professionals working with wood – including carpenters, joiners, furniture makers, shopfitters and others.
