From the IAM

The Institute of Asset Management (IAM) is the international professional body for asset management professionals. We develop knowledge and best practice, and generate awareness of the benefits of the discipline for individuals, organisations and wider society. We are a not-for-profit organisation with a global network of individuals in more than 70 countries and 51 business sectors.

IAM feature

Thanks to our volunteers

Group of people smiling into camera with an IAM North American conference 2023 banner in the background

Members of the IAM North America Chapter at their 2023 conference

Members of the IAM North America Chapter at their 2023 conference

Last month, I celebrated my first year with the IAM as Volunteer Project Coordinator. I am now delighted (albeit nervous) to write my first article for Assets to celebrate something at the very heart of the IAM – its volunteers.

In my role, I have had the opportunity to engage with many of our volunteers over the past year, and I was determined to issue the IAM volunteer emails and e-badges in January. As I was finalising the list, I realised our volunteer numbers had grown again during 2025.

In 2023, we had more than 500 volunteers; this grew to more than 650 in 2024, and 2025 was record-breaking again, with an astonishing 750 volunteers recognised for their contributions. The individuals represented 42 countries, demonstrating the Institute’s global outreach and breadth of experience and knowledge. Of those who volunteered: 

  • More than 30 per cent participated in more than one initiative 
  • 24 individuals took part in five or more initiatives 
  • One individual was involved in nine initiatives.

Sharing knowledge

At the IAM, we recognise that the continued advancement of the discipline depends on the commitment and generosity of our volunteers. Their contributions are integral to our success and the strength of our professional community. 

Through their expertise, time and dedication, our volunteers support a wide range of initiatives. Their work not only enhances the quality of our offerings, but also fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange across the asset management discipline globally.

In 2025, these initiatives included the review and revision of the Self Assessment Methodology (SAM+) and subsequent launch of the Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025) at the UK Chapter Conference in November. Others included: the development of Subject Specific Guidelines (SSGs); the Competences Framework; the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework; and Career Pathways.

"The continued advancement of the discipline depends on the commitment and generosity of our volunteers. Their contributions are integral to our success and the strength of our professional community"

Sector Specific Groups were launched with an initial focus on the maturity of asset management in different sectors. The drive for these groups came from feedback from our members, our Chapters and IAM Patrons, and they enhance opportunities to share within sectors globally. Our Patrons hosted an in-person workshop at the 2025 Global Conference, with sector group members providing a valuable starting position for discussions among the groups. 

The lifeblood

Volunteers are fundamental to every function of the IAM. From Board, Council, chapters, Patrons, committees, events, projects, knowledge groups – there simply isn't an area that isn't supported by volunteers. It has been said before, but volunteers are, quite literally, the lifeblood of the Institute.   

I am, and continue to be, blown away by the individuals who devote an enormous amount of time to support the progression of the Institute and discipline in every way possible. As a newcomer to asset management, it has been an honour and privilege to connect with such passionate professionals who have been so welcoming in sharing their knowledge and expertise.  

Celebrate with us

With the number of volunteers growing annually, we continue to consider how we can further support the volunteer journey with the IAM. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me, and very much look forward to what we can achieve in 2026 and beyond.  

I am excited that I will be attending the IAM Global Conference 2026, in London in June, and I am really looking forward to celebrating with our volunteers at the drinks reception before the IAM Excellence Awards dinner.

The drinks reception is dedicated to celebrating our volunteers – why not celebrate with us at the IAM Global Conference 2026 in London.

If you would like to submit a short video, with a biography, about what volunteering with the IAM means to you, please send your submissions to office@theiam.org

We look forward to receiving and celebrating your submissions. 

Image showing Ursula Bryan with two award winners at the IAM Global Conference 2025

Kayleigh Sebastiani joined the IAM in 2025 as Volunteer Project Coordinator, and has since supported on projects and initiatives such as the Self Assessment Methodology 2025 review and revision, Subject Specific Guidelines (SSGs), the launch of the Sector Specific Groups, and many more. 

People smiling into camera at the IAM India chapter conference 2025

Delegates at the IAM India Chapter Conference 2025

Delegates at the IAM India Chapter Conference 2025

Group of people smiling into camera

Delegates at the Global Conference 2025

Delegates at the Global Conference 2025

Conference room filled with people sitting at tables and watching an address on screen

Patrons' workshop 2025

Patrons' workshop 2025

Group of people smiling into camera

IAM UK Chapter members at the UK Conference 2025

IAM UK Chapter members at the UK Conference 2025

Last month, I celebrated my first year with the IAM as Volunteer Project Coordinator. I am now delighted (albeit nervous) to write my first article for Assets to celebrate something at the very heart of the IAM – its volunteers.

In my role, I have had the opportunity to engage with many of our volunteers over the past year, and I was determined to issue the IAM volunteer emails and e-badges in January. As I was finalising the list, I realised our volunteer numbers had grown again during 2025.

In 2023, we had more than 500 volunteers; this grew to more than 650 in 2024, and 2025 was record-breaking again, with an astonishing 750 volunteers recognised for their contributions. The individuals represented 42 countries, demonstrating the Institute’s global outreach and breadth of experience and knowledge. Of those who volunteered: 

  • More than 30 per cent participated in more than one initiative 
  • 24 individuals took part in five or more initiatives 
  • One individual was involved in nine initiatives.

Sharing knowledge

At the IAM, we recognise that the continued advancement of the discipline depends on the commitment and generosity of our volunteers. Their contributions are integral to our success and the strength of our professional community. 

Through their expertise, time and dedication, our volunteers support a wide range of initiatives. Their work not only enhances the quality of our offerings, but also fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange across the asset management discipline globally.

In 2025, these initiatives included the review and revision of the Self Assessment Methodology (SAM+) and subsequent launch of the Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025) at the UK Chapter Conference in November. Others included: the development of Subject Specific Guidelines (SSGs); the Competences Framework; the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework; and Career Pathways.

"The continued advancement of the discipline depends on the commitment and generosity of our volunteers. Their contributions are integral to our success and the strength of our professional community"

Sector Specific Groups were launched with an initial focus on the maturity of asset management in different sectors. The drive for these groups came from feedback from our members, our Chapters and IAM Patrons, and they enhance opportunities to share within sectors globally. Our Patrons hosted an in-person workshop at the 2025 Global Conference, with sector group members providing a valuable starting position for discussions among the groups. 

The lifeblood

Volunteers are fundamental to every function of the IAM. From Board, Council, chapters, Patrons, committees, events, projects, knowledge groups – there simply isn't an area that isn't supported by volunteers. It has been said before, but volunteers are, quite literally, the lifeblood of the Institute.   

I am, and continue to be, blown away by the individuals who devote an enormous amount of time to support the progression of the Institute and discipline in every way possible. As a newcomer to asset management, it has been an honour and privilege to connect with such passionate professionals who have been so welcoming in sharing their knowledge and expertise.  

Celebrate with us

With the number of volunteers growing annually, we continue to consider how we can further support the volunteer journey with the IAM. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me, and very much look forward to what we can achieve in 2026 and beyond.  

I am excited that I will be attending the IAM Global Conference 2026, in London in June, and I am really looking forward to celebrating with our volunteers at the drinks reception before the IAM Excellence Awards dinner.

The drinks reception is dedicated to celebrating our volunteers – why not celebrate with us at the IAM Global Conference 2026 in London.

If you would like to submit a short video, with a biography, about what volunteering with the IAM means to you, please send your submissions to office@theiam.org

We look forward to receiving and celebrating your submissions. 

Image showing Ursula Bryan with two award winners at the IAM Global Conference 2025

Kayleigh Sebastiani joined the IAM in 2025 as Volunteer Project Coordinator, and has since supported on projects and initiatives such as the Self Assessment Methodology 2025 review and revision, Subject Specific Guidelines (SSGs), the launch of the Sector Specific Groups, and many more. 

People smiling into camera at the IAM India chapter conference 2025

Delegates at the IAM India Chapter Conference 2025

Delegates at the IAM India Chapter Conference 2025

Group of people smiling into camera

Delegates at the Global Conference 2025

Delegates at the Global Conference 2025

Conference room filled with people sitting at tables and watching an address on screen

Patrons' workshop 2025

Patrons' workshop 2025

Group of people smiling into camera

IAM UK Chapter members at the UK Conference 2025

IAM UK Chapter members at the UK Conference 2025

Turn to the contents page for more articles on leadership and culture.

IAM news

Launch of SSG Outcomes and Impacts

The IAM launched Subject Specific Guideline (SSG) Outcomes and Impacts on 11 March 2026.

This explores the evolution in asset management from a focus on outputs to delivering meaningful outcomes and impacts for organisations, stakeholders and society. It explains how outcomes‑led thinking is embedded across the asset management discipline, connecting strategy, planning, operations, leadership, risk, data and stakeholder engagement.

The guideline highlights the importance of understanding organisational context, clearly understanding stakeholder expectations and measuring impacts across multiple time horizons. It emphasises continuous improvement through the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle and identifies leadership, culture, data quality and transparent reporting as key enablers of success. It also explores how organisations are embracing multi-capital value frameworks encompassing a broadening range of outcomes, such as environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, organisational resilience and long-term sustainability.

Through practical case studies, the guideline demonstrates how outcomes‑driven asset management supports better decisions, manages risk and delivers sustainable, long‑term value in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Find out more and purchase this SSG 

Click here to find out more about our Subject Specific Guidelines

The Institute would like to thank our IAM Patrons, whose support is greatly appreciated in enabling the design and publication of this document.

Launch of SSG Asset Management Leadership

The IAM launched Subject Specific Guideline (SSG) Asset Management Leadership on 4 March 2026. It provides guidance on leadership within the context of asset management. The document explains how effective leadership at all levels supports strategic alignment, good governance and the delivery of asset management outcomes across the full asset life-cycle.

The guideline recognises that asset management leadership is not limited to senior roles, and that leaders are within and outside an organisation. It describes the behaviours, competencies and decision‑making required to motivate people, align activities and manage assets responsibly. It also explains how governance provides the strategic framework, policies and accountability needed to support effective asset management.

This guideline is ideal for professionals who lead, influence or support asset management activities, including those who: integrate asset management into organisational strategy; develop policies and plans; apply standards and regulations; foster an asset management culture; manage or maintain physical assets; or support the development of leadership capability in others.

The guideline supports leaders to align asset management with organisational vision, communicate its value, clarify roles and decision‑making responsibilities, make ethical and risk‑based decisions, and promote continuous learning and improvement.

Find out more and purchase this SSG 

Click here to find out more about our Subject Specific Guidelines

The Institute would like to thank our IAM Patrons, whose support is greatly appreciated in enabling the design and publication of this document.

Stantec joins the IAM as a Patron

The IAM is delighted to welcome Stantec as an IAM Patron.

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture and environmental consulting. The company works with clients and partners around the world to deliver the expertise and innovation communities need to manage ageing infrastructure and safeguard critical assets.

Simon Jones, Head of Asset Management at Stantec UK and Ireland, said: 'We’re proud and excited to become a Patron of the IAM, supporting this body in advancing best practices across the life-cycle of built assets. Effective asset management is increasingly urgent as organisations respond to changing economic conditions, evolving societal needs and external factors such as climate change.

'Asset management plays a vital role in understanding, maintaining and enhancing the performance and resilience of critical infrastructure, such as water and energy systems, healthcare, education, and transport networks. These assets are essential services on which communities rely every day. Supporting communities is at the heart of who we are, and our teams are dedicated to improving how our clients manage their assets and optimise their performance. Together, we deliver long-term value for customers, communities and the environment.'

As an IAM Patron, the company joins a global network of organisations dedicated to shaping the future of asset management through knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.

The Patrons of the IAM are an exclusive group of corporate members committed to a high level of activity and engagement with the Institute.

Find out more about Patrons

AD Ports Group joins the IAM as a Patron

The IAM is delighted to welcome the AD Ports Group as an IAM Patron.

AD Ports Group is a global trade, logistics and industrial development company based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Established in 2006 to support economic diversification, it operates integrated clusters across ports, economic cities and free zones, maritime and shipping, logistics, and digital. The group serves as a key link between Abu Dhabi and international markets, with operations in more than 50 countries. Owned by ADQ, it provides the infrastructure and services that enable trade, logistics and industrial growth, with a significant presence across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

David Gatward, Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer at AD Ports Group, said: ‘We are pleased to join the IAM as a Patron and to support its mission of advancing excellence in asset management globally.

'At AD Ports Group, effective asset management is fundamental to delivering resilient, sustainable and high-performing infrastructure across our international portfolio of assets. Our Patron membership reflects our commitment to best practices, continuous improvement and collaboration with industry peers to achieve long-term value and promote excellence in asset management.'

As an IAM Patron, the company joins a global network of organisations dedicated to shaping the future of asset management through knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.

The Patrons of the IAM are an exclusive group of corporate members committed to a high level of activity and engagement with the Institute.

Find out more about Patrons

Engage with the IAM Discussion Forum 

Are you passionate about asset management and looking to connect with like-minded professionals?   
Our IAM Discussion Forum is the perfect place for you! 
Engage with industry experts, share your insights, ask questions and stay updated on the latest trends and developments. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, there's something for everyone. 

Want to get involved? Join the discussion today

Image of a make member of a conference audience with a microphone sharing his thoughts with the conference speakers and rest of the audience members, image

Launch of SSG Asset Creation and Acquisition

The IAM launched Subject Specific Guideline (SSG) Asset Creation and Acquisition on 23 January 2026.

Asset creation and acquisition are most effective when approached as integrated, life-cycle activities, rather than isolated procurement events. This guidance highlights the importance of aligning every decision, from early need identification through commissioning, build/transition, operation and disposal, with organisational objectives, achieving long-term value and clearly defined outcomes. To achieve this, organisations must ensure strong leadership, robust governance and cross-functional collaboration across planning, engineering/technical, finance, procurement, operations and digital functions.

This guideline provides an exploration of the core principles that underpin good practice, grounding decisions in evidence and whole-life thinking, evaluating options systematically, managing risk proactively and ensuring readiness before new assets enter service. It provides a practical reference to structure your processes, support investment cases, guide cross-functional dialogue and drive continuous improvement.

The case studies included illustrate how these principles translate into real-world contexts.

Find out more and purchase this SSG

Click here to find out more about our Subject Specific Guidelines

The Institute would like to thank our IAM Patrons, whose support is greatly appreciated in enabling the design and publication of this document.

Extensive IAM Webinar Library 

Our IAM Knowledge Library provides an extensive range of webinar recordings to support professional development. Missed an IAM webinar? Catch up using the links found here.

Currently available: 

  • Sadaf Gharaati and Peter Stoltman – From Climate Risk to Wildfire Resilience: Scenario Planning for the Grid of Tomorrow – Liberty Utilities Case study
  • Mutaz Aldweeri – Sustainable Facilities Management Practices in the UAE
  • Ahmet Ozman and Jim Schultz – Lessons from Risk and Resilience Assessment of Potable Water Systems in the US
  • Jerry Holdsworth and Trevor Taylor – Introducing SAM2025 – A New Era in Asset Management Assessment 
  • Kambiz Rasoulkhani – Adaptive Asset Management Planning for Improving Resilience under Deep Uncertainties 
  • Tamer Eldemir, Anil IÅŸiÄŸiçok and Sarp Bugra Genc – SOCAR Türkiye's Corporate Excellence Strategy and Practices in the Field of Reliability 
  • Prof Clive Deadman –  Winning the Trust of Boards: Asset Planning That Serves 
  • Jiban Das: Building the Foundation: How to Drive Strategic Asset Management in a Public Service Environment 
  • Tim Gadd and Michael Niven – Assessing Against the New ISO 55001:2024 – Surprising Results and Key Takeaways 

And many more!

Some webinars are free for all; however, to access the majority of the library you must be a paying member of the IAM. Non-members can pay to attend the webinar â€“ or join as a member, attend for free and enjoy all the additional benefits of becoming a member. Become a member today

If you are interested in giving a webinar to a global community of asset management professionals, please provide an abstract. Submit your abstract

IAM webinar programme annual sponsorship opportunity. IAM webinars share expert insights with asset management practitioners worldwide. Sponsoring our webinar programme gives your organisation high‑value visibility with a global, engaged audience. Find out more

Woman facing into the camera wearing headphones and looking at her laptop screenng, image

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Get involved

Membership

Individual Membership

All members gain access to IAM resources and materials, as well as discounts on events and publications.

 

Organisational Membership

Organisational membership offers benefits to organisations of any size or sector – gain access to resources and materials, as well as discounts on events and publications, for all your company employees, whether they are individual members or not.

Patrons

Patrons of the IAM devote significant time and resources to the profession. As leading voices in the field, they contribute to knowledge production and have great influence on the Institute’s activities and priorities. They take part in all working groups, committees and major events, and sit on the IAM Council.

NxtGen

If you have recently started your asset management career, whether from another discipline or as a student or graduate, the IAM provides opportunities for new asset management professionals to learn, share and network through NxtGen. NxtGen runs events, facilitates community discussion and networking, and gives opportunities to present at IAM conferences.

Council and Board

IAM Council represents the voting members of the IAM to ensure that member interests get heard. It has input to the IAM strategy, management and long-term policy, and helps develop the profession and the knowledge of asset management. IAM Council is elected annually.

The IAM Board of Management comprises the legal directors of the Institute. It formally manages the Institute. The key role of the Board is governance in all its forms: fiduciary, good practice and good conduct of members.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE IAM

Whether it's joining an IAM Committee or submitting case studies as articles, we have something for everyone to get involved with.

IAM Chapters

Chapters are organised groups of IAM members in a specific country. They provide a structure for people to come together to learn, share and network in their region. Chapters produce knowledge, sit on all committees and working groups of the IAM, run events, and organise local branch networks. The IAM currently has 12 country chapters:

IAM Chapters

Chapters are organised groups of IAM members in a specific country. They provide a structure for people to come together to learn, share and network in their region. Chapters produce knowledge, sit on all committees and working groups of the IAM, run events, and organise local branch networks. The IAM currently has 12 country chapters:

Audience at an IAM event listening to a presentation, image

Events

IAM webinar: One Team, One Asset Base, One Way of Working: Transforming North London’s Energy from Waste Future – Dr Leon Smith, Siobhan Henn and Jia He

3-4pm BST, 21 April 2026

Online 

Learn more and book now

PD workshop: Achieving Asset Management Excellence in Your Organisation – April 2026

2-6pm BST, 28 and 29 April 2026 (two half days)

Online

This course will provide an overview of asset management maturity assessment tools and uses. It will cover real-world examples of evaluating asset management maturity and use a gap assessment to develop actionable strategies to advance.

Learn more and book now

IAM webinar: The IAM Good Practice Guide for Improving Resilience – Jack Guo

3-4pm BST, 7 May 2026

Online

Learn more and book now

IAM webinar: Applying Systems Thinking to Enhance Climate Adaptation and Resilience – Justin Brassett and Brendan Bromwich

3-4pm BST, 13 May 2026

Online

Learn more and book now

PD workshop: ISO 55001 Gap Closure and Developing an Asset Management System â€“ May 2026

2-6pm BST, 19 and 20 May 2026 (two half days)

Online

This course is for those wishing to understand how to interpret and apply a management system conforming to ISO 55001 in their business.

Learn more and book now

PD workshop: Driving Measurable Outcomes with Value-based Decision-making – June 2026

2-6pm BST, 2 and 3 June 2026 (two half days) 

Online 

This workshop will provide an overview of why value is essential in decision-making. Delegates will learn how to identify the value criteria that matter most to their organisation, and how to construct a value framework to assess and prioritise projects for maximum value realisation. 

Learn more and book now

PD workshop: Achieving Asset Management Excellence in Your Organisation – June 2026

2-6pm BST, 9 and 10 June 2026 (two half days)

Online

This course will provide an overview of asset management maturity assessment tools and uses. It will cover real-world examples of evaluating asset management maturity and use a gap assessment to develop actionable strategies to advance.

Learn more and book now

IAM Global Conference 2026

17 and 18 June 2026

Leonardo Royal Hotel, London Tower Bridge, 45 Prescot Street, London, E1 8GP
Theme: Connected World – Shaping Our Future 

Learn more and book now

PD workshop: Climate Risks Assessment for Infrastructure and Facilities – June 2026 

2pm-5pm BST on 22, 24 and 26 June 2026 (three half days)

Online  

This professional development course is designed to help practitioners evaluate the risks associated with extreme weather events and the uncertainties of future climate conditions for both built and natural assets. 

Learn more and book now

PD workshop: Creating and Maintaining a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) –June/July 2026 

2pm-6pm BST, 30 June and 1 July 2026 (two half days)  

Online  

This course provides practical insight into the development of creating a meaningful Asset Management Strategy (also known as a Strategic Asset Management Plan or SAMP), including alignment with organisational objectives and engagement of the workforce, goal-setting, prioritisation, risk management, performance monitoring, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Learn more and book now

IAM North American Conference 2026

5-7 October 2026

Delta Hotels Toronto, 75 Lower Simcoe Street, Toronto, Ontario
Theme: Convergence: Connecting People, Data, and Assets  

Learn more and book now

IAM UK Chapter Conference 2026

3-4 November 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, Cambridge Street, Glasgow, G2 3HN
Theme: Advancing the Profession – How Asset Management is Meeting the Challenges and Grasping the Opportunities

Learn more and book now

Audience at an IAM event listening to a presentation, image

Contribute to Assets

Assets magazine team

Editors
David Tunley (
david.tunley@theIAM.org)
Joe Mooney (
joe.mooney@usa.theIAM.org)

Production
Helen King (
helen.king@theIAM.org)
Louise Parfitt (
louise.parfitt@theIAM.org)

Marketing and communications
Becca Winter (
becca.winter@theIAM.org)

Advertising office@theIAM.org

Design
Kevin Reed (
Kevin.Reed@cplone.co.uk)

Produced by CPL One

We accept article submissions from members all year round. You can
check
editorial guidelines or suggest articles to the Assets team
by emailing
assets@theIAM.org. The team reserves the right to
edit submissions for grammar, clarity, style and length. We will send
you the revised article for approval before publication.

Picture credits:
Cover: iStock/RaptTv

iStock: Tippapatt, Milan Markovic, filadendron, jacoblund, AzmanL, Suchat longthara, Suriya Phosri, Champpixs, kontekbrothers, Nina Shatirishvili, marog-pixcells, andresr, muddymari, Roman_Makedonsky, Volodymyr Kyrylyuk, Jimfeng, Diegograndi, Blackdovfx, Vgajic, Bogdan Pigulyak

Deadlines for July’s edition
(theme: cross-sector/boundary outcomes):

Tell us the topic and word count by:

20 April 2026

Send us a first draft of the article by:

29 May 2026

Deadlines for October’s edition
(theme: circular economy/asset repurposing):

Tell us the topic and word count by:

31 July 2026

Send us a first draft of the article by:

21 August 2026

Views expressed in Assets are the opinions of the contributing authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Institute of Asset Management. © The Institute of Asset Management 2026. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in parts, or as a whole, without prior written permission of the Institute of Asset Management.

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