The AGM started with a welcome from Ruth Carter (RC), CIBSE CEO. She thanked everyone for attending, both in person, at the Royal Society, and online. RC introduced the other key members of the panel:
- Fiona Cousins, CIBSE President
- Les Copeland, CIBSE honorary treasurer
- Vincent Marke, representing CIBSE’s auditors, Crowe UK LLP
Nic Mills (NM), head of governance, shared housekeeping procedures and details regarding the voting process.
NM confirmed, as per the AGM calling notice, that voting would occur for three resolutions:
- Appointment of the auditors for 2025
- Membership subscriptions for 2026
- Amendment to Regulation 71
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
Fiona Cousins (FC), CIBSE President, sought approval of the minutes from the 2024 AGM, which had been published in the July 2024 issue of CIBSE Journal and are available on the CIBSE website. There were no comments or questions on the minutes.
The previous AGM minutes were signed and approved by FC.
Financial report
Vincent Marke (VM), from CIBSE auditors Crowe UK, presented a summary of the audit. VM confirmed that the audit was conducted according to international standards and confirmed that there were no matters to bring to attention regarding Crowe UK and its independence as auditors. VM formally announced that:
- The financial statements for 2024 were properly prepared, in line with UK accepted accounting practice and the Charities Act 2011.
- The audit concluded that the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) complied with all relevant financial regulations and laws.
Review of the 2024 financial statements: Les Copeland – honorary treasurer
Les Copeland (LC) highlighted that the financial year for CIBSE was ‘exceptional,’ with notable growth across several income streams, particularly from membership, subscriptions, and trading subsidiaries such as CIBSE Services and CIBSE Certification.
Total income increased from 2023 by £1.1 million, reflecting a 12% growth. Expenditure rose by £728,000, partly because of the expansion of the Technical Department, which enabled greater engagement with technical issues in the built environment. The surplus for 2024 amounted to £607,000, an increase from £386,000 in 2023.
A key contributor to the financial success was the sale of the Balham headquarters, generating a £6.3 million profit, which facilitated the purchase of new headquarters at Saffron Hill, Central London. As a result, the net asset value rose significantly, from £3.3 million in 2023 to £10.2 million in 2024.
Regarding trading subsidiaries, CIBSE Services saw a £328,000 revenue increase, bolstered by the success of the sale of the ‘Build to Perform’ event and heat network training.
CIBSE Certification experienced a £180,000 revenue boost, driven by the successful rollout of the NABERS UK energy certification scheme. The Hong Kong branch performed steadily, with revenues remaining consistent with the previous year.
In terms of expenditure, increased technical costs were linked to the expanded headcount and growth response to the rising demand for technical support in the built environment. Membership team costs
also grew, by £462,000, mainly because of a 4% salary increase and central support function recharges.
LC concluded by confirming that the financial results for 2024 positioned CIBSE strongly for future growth, with a solid financial foundation supporting ongoing development and strategic initiatives.
Resolution voting
Resolution 1: Appointment of the auditors for 2025
LC proposed the reappointment of Crowe UK LLP as auditors for the 2025 financial year and giving the board the authority to fix its remuneration. Seconder: Mike Burton.
Voting was carried out in person and online. Both proposals were approved with a majority vote in favour of the resolution. LC confirmed the motion was passed.
Crow UK LLP was appointed as auditors for the 2025 financial year and the Board has the authority to fix its remuneration.
Resolution 2: Membership subscriptions for 2026
LC proposed a 4% increase in subscription fees for 2026, in response to rising supplier costs and inflationary pressures. Seconder: Dave Cooper.
Voting was carried out in person and online. Both proposals were approved with a majority vote in favour. LC confirmed the motion was passed.
A 4% increase in membership fees for 2026 was approved.
Resolution 3: Amendment to Regulation 71
FC presented an amendment to Regulation 71, which would grant the Board the authority to resolve volunteer concerns in exceptional cases. Seconder: Dave Cooper
Voting was carried out in person and online. Both proposals were approved with a majority vote in favour. FC confirmed the motion was passed.
Amendment to Regulation 71 approved and published: (See CIBSE Regulations: www.cibse.org/charter-and-by-laws)
Annual report and key achievements: Fiona Cousins – CIBSE President 2024.
Fiona Cousins (FC) gave her final address as President of CIBSE, delivering the 2024 Annual Report and reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements.
She expressed great pride in the organisation’s accomplishments, particularly in terms of membership growth, a strong financial year, highlighting the ongoing value CIBSE offers to its members and the continued commitment to global technical excellence.
FC went on to unveil CIBSE’s new strategic vision for the period 2025-2030, which focuses on supporting the global community, championing the building services profession, upholding exceptional technical professionalism, and engineering the future of the built environment.
FC introduced the Building for the Future fundraising campaign, aimed at establishing a skills hub at CIBSE’s new headquarters.
In closing, FC extended heartfelt thanks to Ruth Carter (RC), CIBSE CEO, the staff, and volunteers for their unwavering dedication and hard work.
FC also expressed confidence in Vince Arnold’s leadership as the incoming President, wishing him great success in the year ahead.
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 in 2024, 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 2025:
- Vince Arnold: President
- Dave Cooper: President Elect
- Les Copeland: Honorary Treasurer
- Fiona Cousins: Immediate Past-President
- Mike Burton: Vice-President
- David Stevens: Vice-President
- Mark Walker: Vice-President
- Elected Board members: Ted Pilbeam, Vincent Ma, Sasha Krstanovic, Peter Anderson and Dejan Mumovic
- Newly elected Council members: Bobo Ng, Darren Coppins and Sophie Parry.
Acknowledgements of outgoing board members
FC extended thanks to all the outgoing Board members for their commitment and contributions to the institution:
- Ruth Kelly Waskett: Ruth was acknowledged for her contributions to CIBSE, especially her efforts in inclusion, diversity and representation. She played a key role in the Women in Lighting initiative, and was involved in the 2025-2030 CIBSE strategy and the CIBSE brand refresh project.
- Lionel James: Lionel’s contributions, particularly in higher education for new entrants into the industry, were recognised. He was involved in numerous CIBSE committees, including education, training, and membership, and his impact on the engineering profession was acknowledged.
- Adrian Catchpole: Adrian’s remarkable 30-plus years of service to CIBSE were celebrated. He has
been instrumental in the governance review and leadership in various roles, including chairing the professional conduct committee and the equality, diversity and inclusion committee. His mentorship and dedication were highly appreciated.
This concluded the 2025 AGM.