The LEO will lead IP Inclusive’s activities and day-to-day operations, co-ordinating and supporting the work of its volunteers in pursuit of the initiative’s objectives. In addition, the LEO will explore options for future development, including potential new structures and funding mechanisms, and assist IPIM in putting appropriate plans in place.
This new arrangement is designed to facilitate and support IP Inclusive’s growth, whilst safeguarding the goodwill and confidence of its stakeholders.
IPIM will continue to be responsible for IP Inclusive’s governance and legal obligations, for ensuring that its activities align with its objectives, and for overseeing the work of the LEO. IPIM and the LEO will work closely together to agree IP Inclusive’s strategic aims, in consultation with volunteers, sponsors and other key stakeholders.
The LEO will be appointed on a paid consultancy basis. IPIM (whose members include the four founding organisations CIPA, CITMA, FICPI-UK and the IP Federation) has undertaken to ensure the funding for the initial twelve months. During that period the role will be filled by Andrea Brewster, whose background in establishing IP Inclusive leaves her well placed to lead the next stage of its evolution. The governance structure will then be reviewed, allowing the role to evolve if necessary to suit the IP Inclusive of the future.
In a new Governance Memorandum drafted alongside the LEO job specification, IPIM recognises that IP Inclusive is an organisation in transition. The LEO position ensures that IP Inclusive continues to have the leadership needed for the organisation to thrive and allows IPIM to step back from direct involvement in the operational planning and delivery of its activities.
Chair of IPIM and CITMA First Vice-President, Richard Goddard, said:
The creation of the Lead Executive Officer role will ensure that IP Inclusive has the leadership and support it needs to build on the great work of the last few years.
Andrea is the natural choice for the position and I’m very pleased that she’s agreed to take it on. I’m confident that IP Inclusive will continue to go from strength to strength under her leadership.
Julia Florence, CIPA President and CIPA’s representative on IPIM, added:
From its beginnings at a CIPA-hosted round table and as a task force driven forward by Andrea’s passion and commitment, CIPA has been proud to support IP Inclusive and its work for inclusion and diversity across the IP sector. Given the success of IP Inclusive and the clear desire from the IP professions for this work to continue, we believe the time is right for IP Inclusive to grow and develop, and we are very pleased that Andrea has agreed to lead this work. We look forward to giving this initiative our continued support.
Tim Moss CBE, Chief Executive and Comptroller General of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), offered his organisation’s endorsement, commenting:
The IPO is delighted that Andrea will lead IP Inclusive into the next phase of action and growth. We will continue to engage with the IP Inclusive community to build and benefit from inclusion, and have every confidence the initiative will go from strength to strength.
IPIM has also published the LEO job specification and its accompanying Governance Memorandum.
Andrea Brewster OBE, IP Inclusive’s new Lead Executive Officer
Page published on 16th July 2019
Page last modified on 16th July 2019
16th-07-2019
Congratulations, Andrea! A great achievement to see the LEO role created, and to be its first occupant. Looking forward to more news of IPIM
Ruth Soetendorp
16th-07-2019
Congratulations Angela – I am sure you are the right person for the role (and now you have gone one better than just taking the initiative to apply for a role, you are actually encouraging one to be created for you!)
Debra Smith