The Institute of Management Specialists (IMS) was founded in 1971 and is a United Kingdom based professional qualification awarding body, listed in the Kogan Page publication ‘British Qualifications’. It is also listed in the BTEC Higher National Professional Recognition & Progression Directory and is on the UK Register for Learning Providers (Provider Reference Number 10035444). The IMS is the professional body for Management Specialists and offers Specialised Manager designation to members in their specialist management field. Members gaining a Specialised Manager Award can then follow our CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programme and by submitting annual CPD reports can qualify for Certified Specialist Manager status. The Institute has a multiple grade membership system which recognises the professional level of members, both through education levels achieved and through successful senior level career achievement. Individuals can apply for progression during the course of their membership and career. Grades available are: Student, Associate Member, Full Member, Fellow and Companion. A professional membership diploma is issued as visible evidence of commitment and professionalism. Members are also entitled to use the appropriate designatory letters after their name on business cards, letter headings etc. IMS issues an E-Journal free to members twice a year, in January and July, which keeps members informed about what is happening within the Institute and contains articles of interest to management specialists. Reciprocal membership arrangements are maintained with a number of other professional bodies to allow members the benefit of further developing their professional qualifications. The IMS also has an expanding network of Chapters in other countries.