Weekly Blog by Philip King, CEO of the ICM - Big Society and professionalism

I read an interesting article in The Times last week that struck a chord with me, and with the ICM. It was written by Jonathan Shepherd, Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Cardiff University. He is also a Trustee of the Royal College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Now stay with me on this as I know you are wondering what the link is!

Jonathan was talking about debates around 'The Big Society', and how they seldom - if ever - make reference to the professions and to the national institutions that support them. He said it was especially surprising since doctors, engineers, teachers and many other professional groups are defined by their distinctive contributions to civic society and to public services. Their standard-setting professional bodies are self-funded, charitable organisations, and he bemoaned the fact that, in true British style, their virtues remain understated despite their influence on professional behaviours, compliance with evidence-based practice, training ethos and delivery etc.

Now I am not so delusional as to set the Institute of Credit Management alongside the Royal College of Surgeons but there are similiarities. We promote good practice through such initiatives as the Quality in Credit Management Award (QiCM) scheme, we deliver a programme of learning and development that enhances the careers and effectiveness of those working in the credit management field, and we advise and support businesses generally in order to help them manage their cashflow more effectively and thereby stay in business.

All of these activities deliver cash for business and support an economy that so badly needs to see effective growth and development. Our work with, and for, the Department for Business is surely a genuine example of 'The Big Society' that Mr Cameron craves? We provide guidance that would otherwise be a drain on the public purse, and our members - often in their own time and at their own expense - work towards qualifications and build underlying knowledge that adds real value not only to their organisations, but also to the wider business community.

We are not doctors or structural engineers, but neither should we underestimate the contribution that we're making to business, the economy and to society by being professionals in credit management.

http://www.icm.org.uk