The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of CIBSE was held on 10 June 2026 17:00-19:15 at 91-94 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8QP The meeting commenced with a welcome from Ruth Carter (RC), CIBSE CEO.
RC thanked everyone for attending, both in person at CIBSE Headquarters, Saffron Hill, London, and online via Teams. RC introduced the other key Members of the Panel.
- Vince Arnold (VA), CIBSE President
- Les Copeland (LC), CIBSE Honorary Treasurer
- Vincent Marke (VM), representing CIBSE’s auditors, Crowe UK
Nic Mills (NM), Head of Governance, shared housekeeping procedures and details regarding the voting process. NM confirmed as per the AGM Calling Notice, voting would occur for two resolutions:
1. Appointment of the auditors for 2026
2. Membership subscriptions for 2027
NM confirmed that only Corporate Members (Fellows, Members, Associates and Licentiates) are entitled to vote. In-person attendees were given ballot cards and online participants would be prompted to vote via Teams.
Approval of Minutes from previous AGM
VA, CIBSE President, sought approval of the minutes from the 2025 AGM, which had been published in the July 2025 issue of CIBSE Journal and are also available on the CIBSE website. There were no comments or questions on the minutes. The previous AGM minutes were signed and approved by VA.
Financial Report – Vincent Marke (VM) – Crowe UK
VM, from Crowe UK, CIBSE’s auditors, presented a summary of the audit. VM confirmed that the audit was conducted in accordance with international standards and noted that there were no matters of concern regarding Crowe UK’s independence as auditors. VM formally reported that:
- The financial statements for 2025 have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice and the Charities Act 2011. - The audit concluded that the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has
complied with all relevant financial regulations and legal requirements, and remains a going concern, with the expectation that it will continue operating for at least 12 months from the audit date of 28 April 2026.
Review of the 2025 financial statements: Les Copeland (LC) –Honorary Treasurer
LC, Honorary Treasurer, noted a strong performance for the year ended 31 December 2025, achieved against a challenging global economic backdrop. Total trading income and donations increased by £0.5m (4%) to £11.1m.
There were strong contributions from membership subscriptions and End Point Assessments, which rose by 10% to approximately £5.2m. Membership numbers exceeded 23,000, representing growth of over 3% during the year. Donations of £316,000 were received in support of the Saffron Hill development. While income from trading subsidiaries appeared to decline by around £0.2m, this was primarily due to a one-off transaction in 2024 (the sale of our Build2Perform event).
Removing this one-off transaction leads to subsidiary income showing an increase of £0.2m. CIBSE Certification maintained revenue at just over £1m and CIBSE Services offset a reduced training income through a growth in events and weather data sales.
Total expenditure increased by £0.85m year on year, reflecting targeted investment in staff and resources to strengthen member support, technical capability, advocacy, and digital delivery. Despite these increased costs, CIBSE recorded a small surplus of £9,000, consistent with its charitable objective of reinvesting surpluses into member services and knowledge development.
Commercial activities contributed over £0.8m in profit, while membership related activities generated a £0.4m increase in surplus. Investment markets impacted returns, resulting in a £120,000 reduction in CIBSE’s investment portfolio.
Significant capital investment continued during the year in the Saffron Hill property and the development of the Skills Hub, bringing the total book value of the site to approximately £9m.
The overall net asset position of CIBSE was approximately £10.2m at year end (31.12.2025).
Cash balances fell by just over £0.9m over 2025, mainly due to capital spending.
Amounts owed within one year fell over 2025 reflecting payments for invoices related to the development of Saffron Hill that were incurred at the end of 2024 but paid in 2025.
Amounts owed in greater than one year decreased due to a voluntary early repayment of part of the mortgage taken to purchase Saffron Hill.
Overall, the balance sheet remains strong and puts the Institution in a good position to manage economic uncertainty while continuing to invest in its priorities.
Resolution voting
Resolution 1: Appointment of the auditors for 2026
LC proposed the reappointment of Crowe UK LLP as auditors for the 2026 financial year and giving the board the authority to fix their remuneration.
Seconder: Mike Burton
Voting was carried out both in person and online. Both proposals were approved with a majority vote in favour of the resolution.
LC confirmed the motion passed.
Crowe UK LLP were appointed as auditors for the 2026 financial year and it was approved that the Board have the authority to fix their remuneration.
Resolution 2: Membership subscriptions for 2027
LC proposed a 4% increase in subscription fees for 2027, in response to rising supplier costs and inflationary pressures related to the global political and economic environment.
Seconder: Ted Pilbeam
Voting was carried out both in person and online. Both proposals were approved with a majority vote in favour.
LC confirmed the motion passed.
A 4% increase in membership fees for 2027 was approved.
Annual Report and Key Achievements: Vince Arnold (VA) – CIBSE President 2025
In his closing remarks as President, VA presented the 2025 Annual Report and reflected on a highly successful year for CIBSE. He noted that the Institution has continued to strengthen its position as a leading global professional body, with membership surpassing 23,000 across 100 countries and growth recorded in every region.
This progress, alongside strong financial performance, has enabled sustained investment in technical leadership, member services and international engagement, reinforcing CIBSE’s global relevance and impact.
VA highlighted the Institution’s continued delivery of industry-leading technical knowledge, including the successful release of updated weather data incorporating advanced climate projections, as well as a range of new guidance across key disciplines.
VA noted that CIBSE has expanded its influence in policy and regulatory matters, particularly in relation to building safety reforms following the Grenfell Inquiry, ensuring that engineering expertise remains central to the evolving regulatory landscape. The relocation to new headquarters at Saffron Hill was also recognised as a significant milestone, providing a modern hub to support collaboration,
learning and global engagement.
The President emphasised the vital contribution of CIBSE’s global community, including more than 4,000 volunteers, and its ongoing commitment to developing future talent through awards, training and outreach programmes. International engagement has continued to grow, supported by strategic partnerships and global knowledge-sharing initiatives.
VA expressed pride in the Institution’s achievements and its continued growth in influence, capability and reach. He offered his sincere thanks to the Board, members, volunteers and staff, with particular appreciation to the Chief Executive and her team, and affirmed his confidence that CIBSE will continue to go from strength to strength.
Recognition of long-service members and new Fellows
RC invited members to recognise those who had reached the significant milestone of 50 years of membership since the last AGM, as well as those who had been awarded the prestigious title of CIBSE Fellow. RC expressed sincere gratitude for the valuable contributions of these long-standing members and celebrated their dedication to excellence in the building services sector.
Formal appointment of Officers, Board Members and new Council Members
RC presented the list of officers for 2026:
President: Dave Cooper
President Elect: Mike Burton
Honorary Treasurer: Les Copeland
Immediate Past-President: Vince Arnold
Vice-Presidents: David Stevens, Vincent Ma, Peter Anderson
Elected Board members: Ted Pilbeam, Sasha Krstanovic, Dejan Mumovic.
Newly elected Council members: Brian Goldsmith, Gita Maruthayanar, Max McCone.
Acknowledgements of outgoing Board members:
VA extended thanks to outgoing Board members for their commitment and contributions to the institution.
Mark Walker: A valued Board member since 2023, progressing to Vice President. Mark was thanked for his dedication to the Board, contributions to the Technology Committee and his ongoing leadership of CIBSE Healthcare Special Interest Group and contribution to development of the Healthcare Facilities Design Guide.
Fiona Cousins: On the CIBSE Board since 2019. Sincere thanks were extended to Fiona for her outstanding service and leadership, particularly during her impactful Presidency. Through her theme Building Performance Reimagined, she challenged the Institution to think more ambitiously and globally, leaving a lasting influence on CIBSE and the wider profession. Her continued contribution as Immediate Past President further reflects her dedication and commitment.
Inauguration of CIBSE 2025 President: Vince Arnold CEng FCIBSE
Outgoing president VA presented Dave Cooper (DC) as the new President of CIBSE. DC thanked VA for his leadership during his presidential year. He expressed gratitude for VA’s generosity of spirit, purpose and commitment.
DC highlighted VA’s efforts in bringing to life his presidential theme, Paying it Forward. Through his theme he championed the importance of mentoring, volunteering and knowledge sharing, reminding everyone of their responsibility to inspire the next generation of engineers. DC then presented VA with his Past President’s Medal and Presidential Citation.
Presentation of new officers and trustees
VA formally presented the following with their respective Jewels of Office and Trustee Pins:
- President Elect: Mike Burton
- Vice Presidents: Vincent Ma and Peter Anderson
- Trustees: Eimear Moloney and Edith Blennerhassett
This concluded the 2026 AGM.