During her speech at the IOR Annual Dinner on 12^th February 2026, IOR President Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to placing members and skills at the forefront of its agenda. During her address, she announced the launch of the IOR’s Industry Skills Alliance, a new, practical and collaborative forum designed to bring employers, educators, trainers and other stakeholders together to share insight and ensure training provision is aligned with real industry needs. She also thanked members for their contributions to the IOR.

“The RACHP sector is changing faster than at any point in its history.

Net zero, climate adaptation, digitalisation, new refrigerants, new technologies and, crucially - new people. And one message has come through loud and clear from our members: education and skills matter but they have to be the right skills, for the right jobs, at the right time. That is why Education and Skills remains our number one strategic priority. It’s not a slogan. It’s a responsibility.”

 She explained that the the IOR’s Education Outreach work, led by new employee Matt Harvey, is designed to connect employers, trainers, awarding bodies and educators, and to turn good intentions into coordinated action.

 “Tonight, on behalf of the Board, I’m really pleased to formally launch something that many of you have already helped shape through your feedback: the IOR Industry Skills Alliance. The Alliance will be a practical, collaborative forum, led by the Institute, bringing employers, educators, trainers and others together to share insight, align training provision with real industry need, and make sure we are genuinely preparing people for the jobs that exist, and the ones that are coming. It reflects how we believe progress happens, not in silos, but through collaboration, openness, and a shared commitment to raising standards across the sector.”

She invited members who care about the future workforce of this industry, to get involved and become part of the Alliance. “Because skills don’t fix themselves. They improve when we come together, share insight, and take collective responsibility for shaping the future.”

 She went on to talk about progress at the IOR since the 2025 Annual Dinner:

·         We’ve welcomed 86 new members,

·         Seen 148 new students and apprentices registered through colleges,

·         Delivered webinars and events watched by over 4,200 people,

·         And brought together more than 1,000 attendees across our London, Scotland, and newly relaunched Newcastle dinners.

We’ve launched:

·         Adaptation, a new international research conference on refrigeration adapting to rising ambient temperatures,

·         A new IOR app, making technical guidance accessible on the go,

·         And very soon, a book celebrating 125 years of the Institute, produced by volunteers, supported by sponsors, and something we can all be genuinely proud of.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because people step forward.”

 She then acknowledged the student and trainee Award Winners who had joined the IOR on the top table as guest and who, she said “Represent the future of our industry in very real terms. We are proud to have with us:

·         Samuel Jones

·         Claudia McWhirter

·         Luc Dwyer

·         Martin Oates

·         And Isaac Jervis

You are exactly why our focus on education and skills matters and we are delighted you can join us this evening.”

 She then expressed her thanks to:

·         To IOR Trustees, who carry the governance responsibility of the Institute with care and integrity, including our newly appointed President Elect Steve Gill

·         To IOR Committee Chairs and committee members, who quietly do the heavy lifting.

·         To IOR branches, reconnecting members locally and rebuilding momentum regionally.

·         And to the hundreds of volunteers across the membership who are giving time they don’t have, to an organisation they believe in.

You are the heart of the IOR, and I hope you know just how valued you are. As we look ahead, my message to you is this: the future of this Institute, and OUR industry, is depending on you all to help shape it. When we work together, across roles, across generations and across disciplines, we don’t just respond to change. We lead it.

Thank you all for being part of the IOR’s journey and for everything you do to support this profession.”