ILAC members and colleagues, we are abandoning our traditional Secretariat update covering all things ILAC for this edition of ILAC News, as it is with mixed emotions that I confirm this is the last edition of ILAC News from the current Secretariat.

 

A significant chapter in the history of ILAC comes to an end on 31 December when the contract between NATA and ILAC for the provision of Secretariat services concludes. The ILAC Secretariat has been staffed via a Deed of Agreement (DoA) with NATA since 1996 when the formal cooperation to establish ILAC was signed and even prior to this period, NATA resourced the Secretariat from the inception of ILAC as a conference in 1977.

 

Many of you will recall the key staff that have managed the ILAC Secretariat under the NATA DoA, in particular, Ann Margaret Gilmour and Alan Squirrell, who each made a significant contribution in supporting and growing the organisation from its earliest foundation.

 

On behalf of the current staff, Sharon, Hannah, Joelle, Rose, Stephanie and myself, I would like to thank all our members, liaison partners and colleagues and the IAF Secretariat for their support in progressing the work, profile and role of ILAC to become the internationally recognised organisation it is today. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with all of you, with so many wonderful learning experiences and friendships made along the way.

 

During my time as the ILAC Secretary (2007 – 2023) I have been very fortunate to have had an exceptional team of loyal, skilled and dedicated staff that made it possible for the Secretariat to deliver the range of services that have continued to grow and expand over this period.  That is especially the case with the current team members working with me during these final months and I want to acknowledge their support, dedication and professionalism, without which it would not have been possible to maintain the required level of service.  

 

We will be actively working to support a smooth and comprehensive transition process to the new Secretariat team for the remainder of 2023 and during the first quarter of 2024.  Details of the new Secretariat will be announced by ILAC and IAF when finalised. The new Secretariat will be supporting and guiding you from 1 January 2024, and also working to prepare the foundations for a single international organisation for accreditation! We look forward to seeing the continued growth, development and acceptance of accreditation in the international arena.

 

The staff of the ILAC Secretariat send our very best wishes to all for a safe and exciting future.   

 

Thank you!