Opportunities to enhance the profession in Scotland

Landscape Institute Scotland –2022/2023

Would you like to be part of an active devolved nation branch?
The Landscape Institute Scotland (LIS) is the Scottish Branch of the Landscape Institute, with 460 members within a population of over 5 million people. The Scottish Branch works locally to represent the interests of members and the environment to the Scottish Government, agencies, and the voluntary sector. The LIS is one of the devolved nation branches and in that respect its remit does include more engagement with Government and Parliament. After the launch and debate at the Scottish Parliament on ‘Landscape for Scotland’ we have continued with this impetus with the formation of Scotland’s Landscape Alliance with over 60 organisations that all have a shared interest in Landscape and Place

Our Objectives
The LIS is guided by the Landscape Institute’s Vision whilst responding to the unique Scottish environment (natural and man-made). Our Business Plan 2021-2025 sets out a sustainable way to deliver its mission within the context of the Landscape Institute’s aims.

Our key objectives are:

1. Building the Resilience and Competence of the Landscape Profession
   • Understanding and Supporting our Member’s Needs
   • Supporting Education
2. Raising the Political and Public Profile of Landscape and Place
   • Promotion and Advocacy of the Profession

Opportunity for Involvement: CPD – Skills and Experience gained

Some of the activities as a committee member or honorary member may account for a contribution towards your annual CPD hours with varied experience dependant on type of role undertaken or assistance to other members of the Committee.

Experience gained includes:

• Management experience in respect of LIS activities, committees, programmes and budgets.
• Organisational, administrative , communication and social media skills.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Representational skills.
• Financial stewardship and management skills.
• Events organisational skills.
• Contribution to the governance and activities of the LI

If you would like to be part of the Branch please nomiate yourself by 17:00 on 23 March:

Nominate yourself here

Branch members elect a number of roles to their Branch Committee each year. A Branch Committee can have up to a maximum of 12 elected members. Each of these roles supports the professional development of members by enhancing their communication, administrative, organisational skills and contribute to CPD.

Those that have been involved with Branch Committees have often commented that the experience has been valuable, allowing them to raise their profile and get to meet useful contacts. There is never a presumption that committee members can absorb more than a couple of activities at any one time on behalf of the branch.

The Branch Representative, Branch Chair, Branch Secretary and Branch Treasurer are required to be Corporate Members of the LI (Associate – previously Licentiate, Chartered, Fellow, Academic or Academic Fellow). The other Branch Committee members can be Corporate or Non-Corporate Members (Affiliate, Student or Retired). Any Branch Member (Corporate and Non-Corporate) can vote to elect the Branch Committee.

Honorary Officers – Elected Committee Roles
Must be Corporate Members of the Institute (as defined by the Royal Charter)

BRANCH CHAIR
Responsible for arranging, chairing and running the Branch Committee and representing LI as appropriate. Activities include:

• Ensure all committee members understand their roles and duties and ensure that these are carried out effectively.
• With the Branch Treasurer ensure funding bids, budget / programme information is aligned with the LI Corporate Plan and are submitted to LI before the required deadlines.
• Liaise with local government, local authorities, non-departmental organisations and other professional organisations to promote the LI and the landscape profession as appropriate
• Representing LI interests within the region.
• Promote involvement of members in branch committee activities.
• Ensure a range of quality CPD events are provided throughout the year across the region.
• Introduce speakers at events when applicable, chair any associated debate and ensure
  appropriate thanks is made to speakers or associated sponsors.
• Prepare and present a short report to the branch Annual General Meeting.
• Provide assistance, as the immediate past chair, to the new holder of this the post, together with advice to any other newly appointed branch post holders.

BRANCH TREASURER
Responsible for branch finances. Activities include:

• Liaising with LI finance regarding the effective management of the branch finances and account.
• Advise on budget forecast, and contribute to any decisions regarding event or other
  expenditure.
• With the Branch Chair authorising payment for purchases and of expenses within budget and in line with LI procedures.
• Raising invoices and ensure payments and any other income (including events delegate fees) is placed into the branch account.
• Prepare and present monthly financial reports for the Branch Committee.
• Prepare and present the Annual Accounts and inform LI in line with LI procedures and timeline.

BRANCH SECRETARY
Responsible for general organisation and administration of the branch. Activities include:

• Manage the Branch AGM to be held in April each year in line with LI rules and procedures and notify the LI membership team of committee membership details.
• Prepare and present a short report to the branch Annual General Meeting.
• Support Branch Committee meetings by circulating notice and agenda, prepare and circulate note of decisions/action points.
• Manage correspondence received and ensure responded to by appropriate committee member in a timely manner in line with LI rules and procedures.

BRANCH REPRESENTATIVE (elected to Advisory Council)
Responsible for representing the branch (the region rather than the committee) on the LI Advisory Council and contributes to the strategy of the LI. This role is governed by the Advisory CouncilTerms of Reference. Activities include:

• Sitting on Advisory Council; providing input to Council activity including advice and feedback to the Board of Trustees on strategic issues.
• Contributing to and supporting the administration and management of the branch programme alongside other committee members, including raising any operation issues with the LI staff team
• Support and assist with branch projects, events and activities as appropriate.

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
General Committee members assist in the running of the branch. Roles can include: Events / CPD, Careers, Communications, Registered Practice Liaison etc. Activities may include:

• Attendance at Branch Committee.
• Contribute to topics, for example budget and event programming.
• Represent other branch member views where appropriate.
• Contribute to responses to consultations.
• Support Branch Committee activities and Post Holders with their tasks.
• Support other branch projects and activities as appropriate.
• Assist with branch events and activity.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Representing views of student members in the region to inform the Branch Committee: Activities include:

• Representing students in the region whether from university or other colleges where elements of landscape form whole or part of a course.
• Encouraging other student members to take part in branch events or make contributions to LI generally.