Education and training are the basic building blocks of any profession. The development of people should be a top priority for all organisations. The IIPMM believes that it plays a key role in representing the procurement and supply management profession and, in setting and maintaining professional standards and competence.

The strength of any profession is the existence of an overseeing body that represents the profession and its members. When individuals stand up as members of IIPMM they, and those they address, know that they have the backing of the Institute and speak from a position of authority.

This should not be underestimated or forgotten.

What does professionalism mean to organisations? Firstly, educated procurement and supply management professionals are critical to success in any organisation. Secondly, the quality of the procurement function will improve as education and experience work in concert. Another key bene"t is in the area of ethics. Professional standards and ethics go hand in hand. Af"liation to a profession promotes ethical standards and in such an environment it is easier to set and maintain standards within the organisation.

We need to promote the professional aspects of procurement and supply management to ensure that a viable and sustainable profession continues to emerge and grow. But not only that, this emergence needs to be nurtured by both individuals, and organisations by their participation in professional development.