ISTT Management Engages in Historic Review Exercise

On Saturday June 18, 2011, an expanded Management Committee of ISTT went into an historic half-day retreat at the Crews Inn restaurant, Chaguaramas, to review the role of the ISTT. This activity was prompted by the need for the ISTT to reposition itself to remain a vibrant institution, relevant and supportive to its many members, amidst the economic slowdown in Trinidad and Tobago today. In addition, new market and social conditions have added to the imperative for readjustment of our Institution. The deliberations of the retreat culminated in the provision of a Charter Plan … "The Way Forward", including the drafting of Vision and Mission Statements.

Led by the immediate past-President, Aidan Gregoire, the Management Committee joined by ISTT members Clint Langdon, Mervyn Thompson and Colvin Blaize confronted a sample of the opportunities and threats posed to the surveying profession locally, and covered a range of issues associated with fostering change in a professional organisation, such as ISTT. The entire retreat was facilitated by N.E.M., Leadership Consultants.

Drivers of Change

Apart from changing global conditions, other external factors of change discussed at the retreat were: nature of the workforce; technologies at the workplace; public perception of surveying qualifications and competencies. Internal factors include: new demands for teamwork in ISTT; demand to work more efficiently, with reduced resources; and changing expectations of the Members of ISTT

During deliberations the extended Management Committee considered that ISTT should move on to do the following, amongst other things:

• Develop and maintain an updated website.
• Carry out public awareness campaigns and establish a voice in surveying on related national issues.
• Establish a professional regulatory system for surveyors.
• Improve dissemination of information to Members.

Draft Vision Statement

The most important action on the retreat is that the expanded Management Committee adopted draft Vision and Mission Statements for ISTT, which are to be placed before the general membership of the Institute for approval. The draft Vision Statement reads: "To be the Hall Mark professional surveying body in Trinidad and Tobago." The retreat believes that proven ISTT membership should be recognized by clients, and potential clients, as the badge of competence for adding value to clients' property-related operations. Simultaneously, client reliance on advice of ISTT members must be backed up with regulation by and accountability to the Institute.

Members can read the entire Vision Statement and Mission Statement in the attached Charter Plan.

November 28, 2011