The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) is an independent registered charity run for the public benefit with a membership of over 2200 individuals reflecting the diversity of the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector. The Institute provides a central resource for people from all over the world to improve the application of refrigeration and allied fields for the general good of society with particular emphasis on environment, efficiency, safety and innovation.
The Institute was founded in 1899 as the Cold Storage and Ice Association and was the first national society of mechanical refrigeration in the world. In 1944 qualified membership was introduced in order to raise the status of the association and of those engaged in the science and its practice, and the present name of the Institute of Refrigeration was adopted.
The IOR is registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Association, an educational and scientific body (reg no 250 081 and 1166869). It is governed by an elected Board of Trustees, and has a permanent staff of five based in offices in Carshalton, Surrey.
IOR activities are led by members volunteering in standing Committees and Working Groups.
The Institute of Refrigeration has a Code of Conduct adopted by its membership and members are expected to order their conduct in accordance with this Code.
Each Committee shall be appointed or disbanded by the Trustees of the Institute of Refrigeration and is responsible to the Board for carrying out of activities and duties within their stated terms of reference.
1. Committees shall operate to written terms of reference, agreed by the Board. The terms of reference should include but not be limited to: objectives; recommended composition of the Committee; frequency of Meetings and quorum; standing agenda items; specific activities this group is responsible for; financial responsibilities and delegated decision making authority.
2. The terms of reference must be reviewed annually by the committee and changes referred to Board for approval.
3. The Chair of the Committee is appointed by the Board on recommendation of the Committee. The person holding the role of Chair shall be reviewed every three years and may be reappointed. The Chair must be a member of the Institute (any grade).
4. The role of the Chair is:
5. Election of Members to Committees. The membership of each Committee should represent the skills and interests necessary to carry out their work effectively. Membership should be reviewed annually. Where a vacancy occurs or additional skills set is required the committee may seek additional members by advertising on the website/enews/newsletter. Members wishing to stand for a Committee should submit a brief cv and statement prior to the meeting at which nominations will be reviewed. Appointments should be made by approval of 2/3rds of the Committee members present at the meeting and endorsed by the Chairman.
6. Vacancies on Committees. A list of vacancies will be available on the IOR website members area. Members wishing to stand for a Committee should submit a brief CV and statement prior to the meeting at which nominations will be reviewed to the Secretary.
7. Committee members should normally be members of the Institute of Refrigeration (any grade), but non members may be accepted on an ex officio basis to fill an appropriate vacancy and represent suitable interests or external organisations.
8. Length of service of Committee members is in line with the Terms of Reference for that group. Committee members should be rotated regularly. A member who does not able to attend meetings regularly or provide any input to a Committee for three consecutive meetings shall be deemed to have given up their seat on the committee.
9. Corresponding members may be appointed at the discretion of the Chair if attendance at meetings is not possible.
Want to know more about the role and workings of IOR Committees? Download our FAQ sheet.