An interesting reply from IOSH, all very good us members getting benefit from it but no reason as to why costs are so high. I don't think it represents good value for money, and the IOSH rail safety conference later this month at a quarter the cost looks better value for money (only if in rail sector though....). There are some really good points here about what we get for our money: 1. Many expert presenters are free (their profile improves and share knowledge about their industry/area). 2. IOSH employees wages are/should be covered elsewhere. 3. The costs remaining revolve around the venue, catering, materials, advertising etc. 4. Income generating: Firms and businesses pay for doing the trade fair, and sponsoring certain aspects. A potential president elect could/should see this as an election issue, I will vote for the person who can commit to delivering the 'austerity' IOSH conference for us. I really think we could/should get most of the benefits for a significantly reduced cost.

I wonder (for a smallfee)could we get access to it on the internet,? it would allow more to benefit from it,

I've no doubt the conference would represent an excellent opportunity to network and participate in some quality discussions and achieve some real 'learning outcomes'. It still does not, however, represent a cost that most can afford. I suspect that may be the plan. No point in overcrowding the venue, meaning a poor experience for all as 'peer to peer round table discussions' becomes oversubscribed with standing room only....... So, we are left with an artificially high price tag, knowing this will limit attendance to corporate sponsors or the wealthy and the stock 'corporate response' from IOSH defending its position. Leaving the majority of members frustrated and annoyed at being treated this way and venting our frustrations on a web page. Its not a conference - its a lucky-people-only-club and we are not invited.

Speaking as a non-member who is not really interested in attending funny handshake events I think rather than coming on here and having a bit of a bleat about the cost of the event it is up to the members to take direct action. If you don't agree with the cost do something about it. I'd be willing to bet that if no action is taken (and I don't mean a bit of a forum protest) then the same thing will be repeated again next year.

Firstly an apology – I have been remiss in not answering more promptly. I am very sorry about that but like many of you I have to balance the voluntary duties with my work. Secondly - a thank you, for your time and considered posts. You should be aware they are being taken note of but please do not expect knee jerk reactions to every comment made. As your next President and Chair of the IOSH 2011 Working Party I think it is my responsibility to offer my thoughts on the posts so far. This is a thorny issue every year. Contrary to opinions, this year is no different to some who may have been on hard times last year, the year before or the year before that etc. Although the recession will undoubtedly affect a lot of us this year/next, we simply cannot drop the standard of conference we have worked hard to develop. As the world’s largest body of safety professionals we have to offer an event that befits our status. Putting on such a large event introduces logistical restrictions as well as expectations. These come at a price. One focus that continues to be at the centre of the development process is member access to ‘our’ (yes that means you) event, so that all who wish to come, can - in some way or other. I fully respect decisions and difficulties resulting in non attendance, but please see what is available to you rather than issue a simple ‘won’t go’ statement. We are suggesting various ways in which Networks can make this easier for members. We are also using technology to bring conference to you- in different ways, but with sensible cost limits. This will increase in the future but I trust you will understand we have to draw the budget line somewhere. The Conference Working Party consists of IOSH members as well as staff and the conference provider. You have my assurance that you – as potential delegates, were in the front of our minds at every step of development. The IOSH conference is one activity in the membership calendar – it happens to be our biggest and our flagship event. We attract members from all grades and sectors, industry influencers, VIP’s and a host of others from the UK and far beyond. This event makes IOSH a global brand which in turn reaps benefits to its membership. If it isn’t for you, for one reason or another, then fine. There are plenty of other IOSH activities you can go to. But please understand that a lot of people enjoy going, have the means to support this CPD activity in their control and see it as a very well spent 2 days. I am sure there are a lot of people who are looking forward to it – whether full attendees, single session only delegates or simply free exhibition attendees. I am sure there will be more said and hope the discussion looks at both sides of the coin. Steve

Steve, the reason it’s a thorny issue each year is because very little is done to assist the very members that do struggle to afford the rates that have been set! I’ glad you respect decisions and difficulties resulting in non attendance, maybe this should be placed firmly at the top of 2012 agenda? Many professionals would love to actually attend - but they cannot afford it…? I find your comments coming across as little more than indifference. The many colleagues that I talk to don’t want a different way of learning from these events (technology), they want to attend these events, but again cannot afford it! I have been in the safety profession for nearly two decades, I’ve not seen the reaps of benefits you mention from this annual events, please explain?

Steve/Nigel, Bearing in mind many of those occupied in this industry are consultants, despite what others may think, we are not overly well paid. Taking time off work (assuming you have some) travelling cost and having to pay £322.80 per day – member early rate, does appear to be very expensive to me. Why does the IOSH rail conference cost £182, nearly half the price? Ray

I attended our local branch meeting this afternoon and one lucky attendee won a ticket for the conference, picked out by a random number. No squeals of delight however especially as he was reminded that he had to make his own way there with no travel expenses reimbursed.

Steve, I’ve made my points and ideas known and commented on yours? Maybe YOU need to take on board what ALL the people have said so far and make sure that change happens for those that are less fortunate than others and as YOU have already stated; “it’s a thorny issue each year” It doesn’t have to be Steve.

i like the last two paragraphs..armed with that informatiom why would anyone pay such a lrage amount to attend ( igot a holiday for two in cyprus for a week for that)....over priced and out of touch with the majority of the membership

NigelB; my CMI annual fees are £10 per year more than my IOSH fees; as far as I am aware this is not subsidised by the revenue gained from the annual conference. Although I did mention free tickets in my earlier post; I truly did not expect free attendance for all (which I suspect none of the other posters really feel would be practical? - sorry folks if that is what you really felt!). I support a conference with a reasonable (to me the 'ordinary' working man) cost, in a sensible location, that allows us mere mortals to attend the flagship event of OUR organisation. I do not think that the special offer of £645 is reasonable. With my cynical head on - I suspect IOSH have to 'subsidise' our annual fees because the 'true' cost would be so unpalatable to the majority of members that numbers would drastically reduce? Does IOSH publicise the fact that any fee paying non members of IOSH that attend the conference; are subsidising our annual fees? Another well known if less numerous in members (?) and gravitas safety organisation; offered me full membership for fees at a lot less cost than the current subsidised fees, that I choose to pay for IOSH membership; maybe that will change in the future who knows? Stuie

I’m sure most of the corporate entities will have no problem paying the fees. However, a lot more could and SHOULD be done for the low paid and unemployed members that have supported our Institution for years, in the good times and now the very lean times. Let’s be clear; IOSH is a charity and this should begin with the people who are members of this Institution. For the recent ‘glossy brochure’ talk by a very small minority, we must remember that without all the health and safety professional IOSH would not exist as it currently does. Actions Speak Louder Than Words.

Ian Accept what you are saying, BUT, going back to the original post, most members CANNOT afford to pay out of their own pocket the price of conference and overnight accommodation (to make the most of the money spent). Plus, apart from the big companies who can afford to sub their employees, a larger proportion of companies these days are SME's with a small workforce who are just keeping their heads above water. So branch presentations aside those sme's will not receive info updates that may be vital to them. Badger

I'm in agreement with everyone else who think that the upper echelons of IOSH have completely lost touch with reality. The benefits from the annual conference simply do not equate with the costs. I thought that we were all supposed to be familiar with the concept of "reasonably practicable"? I am aware that some professional institutions have begun to make video recordings of conferences and seminars and, for a modest fee, sell DVDs to those who cannot attend. It is time to either make the annual conference affordable for those who wish to attend or scrap the idea completely. It is clear from this and other postings that the majority of members are wholly dissatisfied with the status quo. PH2

I think that the assumption that large corporate bodies will happily pay their people to attend may well be wrong in this time of austerity. Department have budgets that are being squeezed and individuals within those departments have their own targets to achieve. When I was a (small) budget holder in a large corporate body I had to justify the expenditure of sending people on what were perceived to be non-productive activities, not only to satisfy myself that I was using the time & money wisely, but also to the individuals who were being denied the opportunity to earn fees and so reach their financial targets. The result was that very few attended these big events. And that was in profitable times! In my present happily self-employed situation, my decison has been very quick and simple. However, I am coming round to the opinion that if IOSH can put on a successful annual money-making event that subsidises my membership fees, I'll happily make do with the lower-key local events, seminars, exhibitions and meetings that are affordable, keep my CPD ticking over and even sometimes enjoyable. Perhaps when the HSE register is up and running (I approve), their cartoon myth of moneybags consultants will become a fact (I live in hope) and I can then ask the driver to drop me off at the main entrance and whisk me back to the helipad when I become bored (I also fantasize a lot).

It amazes me how IOSH is moving at a glacial pace on the issue……..? It speaks volumes!

I’m up for that. I would also like to see IOSH actually take the lead and state that any unemployed member of this charitable status Institution may gain entry to any part of IOSH 2011 free of any charge, with the hope that this may assist them in gaining employment again.....?

I am with you Nigel

Thanks Paul, I’ve just spoken to two health and safety professionals who also attended. Both agreed that it was the worst event they had ever attended. Totally disorganised and not value for money. Following on from this, I won’t be wasting my hard earned cash at the London event.

http://www.managers.org....ebcast-individual-ticket Apologies if this has already been covered. Link to CMI example of webcast ticket above. All the best Ian