A successful new format was introduced to the biannual M25 Members’ Meeting and the Networking Event this year – effectively combining the two. M25 Consortium representatives, Working and Task Group members, and other invited guests, gathered at the stunning eighth floor of LSE’s New Academic Building. With its fantastic views over central London, and light and airy meeting spaces, the NAB was an ideal venue for such an event.

The members’ meeting in the afternoon took the form of a workshop to reflect on the role of M25 and its services, and offered members the chance to influence the future direction of the Consortium by identifying key topics to reflect upon and address via the development of a new strategic plan.  Some key themes emerged from the feedback and discussion, including: the importance of cpd25 as a flagship service, recognising the benefit of networking for professional development, the centrality of our regional base, and the importance of collaboration at the core of our identity. It became clear that additional work is required to understand the role and evolution of resource discovery services; also highlighted was the importance of recognising the opportunities presented in the area of “shared services”. M25 would like to adopt a faster and more agile response to new developments, possibly with a greater focus on task and finish groups.



The members’ meeting was followed by an evening drinks reception for guests to put words in to practice and network. There was also the opportunity to try out the latest addition to M25 services, the Directors Room. This innovative new service provides an alternative means for engaging in confidential debate, and supports Directors in their work and personal development by facilitating communication, providing networking channels, and fostering shared learning. With an introduction from M25 Chair Nick Bevan and Rosemary Lynch, Chair of the Director Services group tasked with developing and implementing the service, the DR was then formally launched.

Sandy Leitch
M25 Consortium Secretary

Head of Learning and Research Support
Kingston University