Well what a week it has been. I am pleased to report that 9 students attended the Chartered Banker Introductory day on Tuesday and it was no ordinary day! I was running the session and Raymond joined us for a spell. His fan was delighted!!!
At the end of the course our new Chief Executive Simon Thompson joined us and had a chat with the students. Simon officially takes over on 1st July 2007.
On Wednesday it was time for the AGM which took place at the new Club here in Edinburgh and this was followed by yes,you have guessed, another farewell to Professor Charles Munn OBE ( I must give him his full title).
The election of the new President of the Institute took place at the AGM and I can reveal it is Mr. Miller McLean, Group Secretary and Legal Counsel, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. A very warm welcome to you Miller.
On this final Friday in June the Chartered Banker results have been released and I am sure that there are a lot of happy people about today. If you noticed any of your colleagues having a "permagrin" this could also be Chartered Banker Chuckle!!!
Charles Munn departs today after nearly 19 years at the helm of CIOBS. Best Wishes Charles and thanks for all your help and inspiration. A very long and happy retirement to you
Also leaving us today is Tess Joyce, Marketing Manager, here at CIOBS. Tess has been with us for 6 and a half years. Cheerio Tess and good luck in your new role.
Indeed Raymond and I are still here!!
Well in my own case I am also departing ............................................................................................. for two weeks annual leave! Off to sunnier climes
So no blogging from me for the next couple of weeks. I am sure that Raymond will keep blogging and keep you all entertained.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside Oh I do ...........................
Bye for now
Michael
Friday, 29 June 2007
Monday, 25 June 2007
I don't like Monday's
Well I would say that, wouldn't I if I was Bob Geldof. But I am not so I will not. Welcome bloggers to another week. The last week in June and indeed a very important week for those who are awaiting their results from the Chartered Banker exams at the Spring diet.
Good luck to one and all keep checking www.ciobs.org.uk for the results.
What's been happening to day Michael? Well we had a Monthly Communication Meeting here at CIOBS.
Tomorrow brings yet another crop or should that be flock of potential Chartered Bankers to the hallowed halls of the CIOBS for an Introductory session. I am advised that there will be 10 attendees. As always I am looking forward to meeting the new recruits. Are they looking forward to meeting me???
Maybe some are hoping that Raymond is taking the session.Well to all members of the Raymond Brown fan club and watchers of " Everybody loves Raymond" I am afraid that it is I who will be running the session tomorrow. I will let you know how many turn up!!
Well A good week to you all and speak to you later this week.
Michael
Good luck to one and all keep checking www.ciobs.org.uk for the results.
What's been happening to day Michael? Well we had a Monthly Communication Meeting here at CIOBS.
Tomorrow brings yet another crop or should that be flock of potential Chartered Bankers to the hallowed halls of the CIOBS for an Introductory session. I am advised that there will be 10 attendees. As always I am looking forward to meeting the new recruits. Are they looking forward to meeting me???
Maybe some are hoping that Raymond is taking the session.Well to all members of the Raymond Brown fan club and watchers of " Everybody loves Raymond" I am afraid that it is I who will be running the session tomorrow. I will let you know how many turn up!!
Well A good week to you all and speak to you later this week.
Michael
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Blogging Along
Ah Wednesday again I hear you cry. I better check out the CIOBS blog and see what's new.
The latest edition of the institute magazine, Scottish Banker has just been published and will be falling through the letterboxes shortly and it's a very special edition. No it's not the Summer Special or indeed the holiday special, but wait for it .................................. It is the edition with a fine picture of Professor Munn on the cover and inside is his final editorial entitled " A fond farewell". An historic edition indeed.
Will it become a collector's item ?
What else in going on? Well would you believe dates for the Autumn Revision sessions and chat room session in respect of Chartered Banker are almost finalised. What ?and the results of the Spring diet are not out as yet! On that point 29th June is still the date folks so keep an eye on the website. WWW.CIOBS.ORG.UK
In fact a bit of of late news......... The chat room dates can be found here http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads.cfm
The revision session dates will be available shortly. I will let you all know when they are available on the website.
Please feel free to comment on any items in the blog at any time. Your comments are always welcome. Especially those about Raymond's photo! I can certainly confirm that it has not been touched up!
Michael
The latest edition of the institute magazine, Scottish Banker has just been published and will be falling through the letterboxes shortly and it's a very special edition. No it's not the Summer Special or indeed the holiday special, but wait for it .................................. It is the edition with a fine picture of Professor Munn on the cover and inside is his final editorial entitled " A fond farewell". An historic edition indeed.
Will it become a collector's item ?
What else in going on? Well would you believe dates for the Autumn Revision sessions and chat room session in respect of Chartered Banker are almost finalised. What ?and the results of the Spring diet are not out as yet! On that point 29th June is still the date folks so keep an eye on the website. WWW.CIOBS.ORG.UK
In fact a bit of of late news......... The chat room dates can be found here http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads.cfm
The revision session dates will be available shortly. I will let you all know when they are available on the website.
Please feel free to comment on any items in the blog at any time. Your comments are always welcome. Especially those about Raymond's photo! I can certainly confirm that it has not been touched up!
Michael
Friday, 15 June 2007
Thursday's Highlights
Hi again folks,
Hope you are all well. Anyway, yesterday was yet another example of the varied and exciting life (honestly!) which some of the CIOBS staff (including Michael and I) have.
The main business item was the quarterly Education Committee which took place at nearby Melvin House (when I say nearby, it's actually 50 yards away, so only 4 people took a taxi!).
It's usually held at the CIOBS offices, but I'll explain why it was moved in a minute! There was an extensive agenda as usual - some of the topics included amendments to the structure of the Chartered Banker qualification structure (two new subjects will be added very soon) and to the graduate exemption policy (more flexibility was agreed). There was also discussion around the CPD scheme - this is going to be reviewed to ensure that it remains appropriate and also to encourage further use.
At the end of the meeting, the Chairman paid tribute to our Chief Executive, Professor Charles Munn who retires in two weeks and who was attending his very last Education Meeting (I was looking very hard and I'm sure Charles shed a few tears - not sure if they were of joy or sadness, though!). That was the reason why the venue was changed - no, not because of Charles's tears but because our usual room was being spruced up for the swaree which started at about 5.30pm. This was to mark Charles's retiral and also the retiral of Tricia, one of our clerical staff. Between the two of them, they have about 40 years of service - phew!!
Charles made one of his legendary speeches but kindly agreed to cut it down to 3 hours!
Anyway, there were a few glasses of bubbly and a lovely buffet and a jolly good time was had by all. Some hair may have been let down, but if it was, I can assure all our members that it was done in a professional, cost-effective and highly ethical manner! As for me, I was going to let my hair down but that may have proved somewhat difficult, if nay impossible! So that was Thursday.
As for today, everyone was back at their desks bright-eyed and bushy-tailed - except for those who weren't!
That's it for this week folks - must go and finish off that bubbly (hic!). Have a great weekend!!
Raymond
Hope you are all well. Anyway, yesterday was yet another example of the varied and exciting life (honestly!) which some of the CIOBS staff (including Michael and I) have.
The main business item was the quarterly Education Committee which took place at nearby Melvin House (when I say nearby, it's actually 50 yards away, so only 4 people took a taxi!).
It's usually held at the CIOBS offices, but I'll explain why it was moved in a minute! There was an extensive agenda as usual - some of the topics included amendments to the structure of the Chartered Banker qualification structure (two new subjects will be added very soon) and to the graduate exemption policy (more flexibility was agreed). There was also discussion around the CPD scheme - this is going to be reviewed to ensure that it remains appropriate and also to encourage further use.
At the end of the meeting, the Chairman paid tribute to our Chief Executive, Professor Charles Munn who retires in two weeks and who was attending his very last Education Meeting (I was looking very hard and I'm sure Charles shed a few tears - not sure if they were of joy or sadness, though!). That was the reason why the venue was changed - no, not because of Charles's tears but because our usual room was being spruced up for the swaree which started at about 5.30pm. This was to mark Charles's retiral and also the retiral of Tricia, one of our clerical staff. Between the two of them, they have about 40 years of service - phew!!
Charles made one of his legendary speeches but kindly agreed to cut it down to 3 hours!
Anyway, there were a few glasses of bubbly and a lovely buffet and a jolly good time was had by all. Some hair may have been let down, but if it was, I can assure all our members that it was done in a professional, cost-effective and highly ethical manner! As for me, I was going to let my hair down but that may have proved somewhat difficult, if nay impossible! So that was Thursday.
As for today, everyone was back at their desks bright-eyed and bushy-tailed - except for those who weren't!
That's it for this week folks - must go and finish off that bubbly (hic!). Have a great weekend!!
Raymond
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
What Do You Folks Do All Day?
A jolly good question and one which on the basis of job security I am only prepared to partially answer!
Today, some of our staff attended the Scottish Banking Forum seminar entitled Corporate Responsibility and the impact it has in the banking sector, on products and services, the workplace, the environment and community investment. These are pretty popular events with some CIOBS staff, although personally I doubt very much if they simply go for the bacon roll(s) given the high level of their professionalism!
Elsewhere, Michael has been finishing his one and a half day Mortgage Advice course, with some of the students deciding to sit the exam straight after the course finishes - this is an option we have provided to delegates for the last few months and results are very, very encouraging. Let's hope today's candidates do well - for Michael's sake!
As for me, I would have thought that was fairly obvious - I'm writing this blog. It may not seem much to you, but I've had to have lots of bed rest since my last posting, such is the strain involved. Other than, today I've been preparing an e-learning presentation for teachers involved in the Certificate in Financial Services qualification. Hopefully, I'll get this finished by Friday - all being well.
Once it's complete you'll be able to access it and the other audio visual presentations via the web. So far we have completed short modules on Retail Banking (Law of Succession), International Business and a CPD update for those doing the Regulatory exams. Why not have a look at the three tutorials at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/os_tutorials.cfm (you will need to sign in though!). There's also a module for those considering doing the Certificate / Diploma in Financial Services.
If you have any suggestions as to what we could tackle next, let us know - all illegal, physically impossible or improper suggestions will be relayed back to your line manager!!
Anyway, I'm totally shatttered now - must go for a lie down!
Raymond
Today, some of our staff attended the Scottish Banking Forum seminar entitled Corporate Responsibility and the impact it has in the banking sector, on products and services, the workplace, the environment and community investment. These are pretty popular events with some CIOBS staff, although personally I doubt very much if they simply go for the bacon roll(s) given the high level of their professionalism!
Elsewhere, Michael has been finishing his one and a half day Mortgage Advice course, with some of the students deciding to sit the exam straight after the course finishes - this is an option we have provided to delegates for the last few months and results are very, very encouraging. Let's hope today's candidates do well - for Michael's sake!
As for me, I would have thought that was fairly obvious - I'm writing this blog. It may not seem much to you, but I've had to have lots of bed rest since my last posting, such is the strain involved. Other than, today I've been preparing an e-learning presentation for teachers involved in the Certificate in Financial Services qualification. Hopefully, I'll get this finished by Friday - all being well.
Once it's complete you'll be able to access it and the other audio visual presentations via the web. So far we have completed short modules on Retail Banking (Law of Succession), International Business and a CPD update for those doing the Regulatory exams. Why not have a look at the three tutorials at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/os_tutorials.cfm (you will need to sign in though!). There's also a module for those considering doing the Certificate / Diploma in Financial Services.
If you have any suggestions as to what we could tackle next, let us know - all illegal, physically impossible or improper suggestions will be relayed back to your line manager!!
Anyway, I'm totally shatttered now - must go for a lie down!
Raymond
Friday, 8 June 2007
That was the week that was
Well it's Friday and the end of another week. What a week it was with new members joining the team here at CIOBS. Courses, school visits, speaking with students through the various mediums. ( No I don't mean Doris Stokes!)
Well all it comes round again as they say and we will be right in to the Apex5 revision days on Monday and Tuesday.
I should mention that CIOBS can offer various courses to suit you and the old phrase anytime, any place, anywhere applies. Please feel free to call myself or Raymond at anytime on 0131 473 7782 or 0131 473 7775 and we can have a chat about it.
P.S. Chartered Banker results ............ 3 weeks to go !!!!
Have a great weekend
Michael
Well all it comes round again as they say and we will be right in to the Apex5 revision days on Monday and Tuesday.
I should mention that CIOBS can offer various courses to suit you and the old phrase anytime, any place, anywhere applies. Please feel free to call myself or Raymond at anytime on 0131 473 7782 or 0131 473 7775 and we can have a chat about it.
P.S. Chartered Banker results ............ 3 weeks to go !!!!
Have a great weekend
Michael
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Still Blogging after all these years
Wednesday already! Another quick week. The Apex 1 Revision session finished yesterday. Good Luck with the final exam to all who attended.
The Sales and Service revision notes previously mentioned are now available on our website WWW.CIOBS.ORG.UK
Another busy day today. I was in Edinburgh first thing for a meeting and then it was off to Glasgow. Leaving Auld Reekie at lunchtime saw a rather cloudy day, however on reaching the Dear Green Place the sun was splitting the trees. Well OK it was sunny and a bit warmer.
My journey to Glasgow was in respect of a careers day at a school in the north of the city and the journey via the M9 was pleasant and I am sure much quicker then going via the M8, especially when you know the shortcuts in the north of Glasgow.
The careers day was a nice experience and it was a pleasure to meet the future generation of would be bankers. Let's hope that I have convinced one or two of the possibility of banking as a career. The only down side was that I realised that it was nearly 30 years ago that I left school. "Really Michael you look so young in the photo on the website" Thanks Mum.
Having spent a part of the day in each of these two great cities reminds me of the comment that:" There is more fun at a Glasgow funeral than at an Edinburgh wedding" I would welcome comments on this.
For legal reasons I personally have no opinion on that statement and I am very happy to be in either of these great places. In fact for further legal reasons maybe I have got the cities the wrong way round!
As always comments are very welcome. In fact there will be a mystery prize for the first comment on the above.
Michael ( I love Glasgow and Edinburgh)
The Sales and Service revision notes previously mentioned are now available on our website WWW.CIOBS.ORG.UK
Another busy day today. I was in Edinburgh first thing for a meeting and then it was off to Glasgow. Leaving Auld Reekie at lunchtime saw a rather cloudy day, however on reaching the Dear Green Place the sun was splitting the trees. Well OK it was sunny and a bit warmer.
My journey to Glasgow was in respect of a careers day at a school in the north of the city and the journey via the M9 was pleasant and I am sure much quicker then going via the M8, especially when you know the shortcuts in the north of Glasgow.
The careers day was a nice experience and it was a pleasure to meet the future generation of would be bankers. Let's hope that I have convinced one or two of the possibility of banking as a career. The only down side was that I realised that it was nearly 30 years ago that I left school. "Really Michael you look so young in the photo on the website" Thanks Mum.
Having spent a part of the day in each of these two great cities reminds me of the comment that:" There is more fun at a Glasgow funeral than at an Edinburgh wedding" I would welcome comments on this.
For legal reasons I personally have no opinion on that statement and I am very happy to be in either of these great places. In fact for further legal reasons maybe I have got the cities the wrong way round!
As always comments are very welcome. In fact there will be a mystery prize for the first comment on the above.
Michael ( I love Glasgow and Edinburgh)
Monday, 4 June 2007
Welcome
I hope that everyone had a nice weekend. Well that's Monday over and a very special day it was. We welcomed our new Chief Executive, Simon Thompson and Paul Bethune who has joined our Customer Support Team. A very warm welcome from the Bloggers (or at least I think that's what someone called me and Raymond last week!)
Raymond is having a well deserved rest this week on annual leave. He will probably read this at some stage. Hope the week is going well sir! (What a crawler I am!!)
Today was the first day of the two day Apex 1 revision day. There a 7 very enthusiastic attendees. Five from the west and two from the east (of Scotland). We start again at 9.00 a.m. tomorrow so I had better get some beauty sleep. Yes, you certainly need it Michael I hear you cry, we have seen your photos on the web site!!
if you are interested in attending any of our courses, please call Gillian Muir at the Institute on 01314737796
Here's to a great week for all.
Michael
Raymond is having a well deserved rest this week on annual leave. He will probably read this at some stage. Hope the week is going well sir! (What a crawler I am!!)
Today was the first day of the two day Apex 1 revision day. There a 7 very enthusiastic attendees. Five from the west and two from the east (of Scotland). We start again at 9.00 a.m. tomorrow so I had better get some beauty sleep. Yes, you certainly need it Michael I hear you cry, we have seen your photos on the web site!!
if you are interested in attending any of our courses, please call Gillian Muir at the Institute on 01314737796
Here's to a great week for all.
Michael
Friday, 1 June 2007
New Download Available and the Competition Results
Hi Everyone, (Well, all three of you!)
It's kind of tough being a blogger actually.
Did you know that a new study shows that around 20% of all bloggers have been disciplined by their employers for disobeying blogging policy and more than 7% of bloggers have actually been fired?
Anyway, on to more important things.
The Sales & Service Revision Notes are now complete and are currently awaiting posting to the web. So all you lucky folk doing the Certificate or Diploma in Financial Services can soon download this PDF from the web to help with your revision. Remember though, that these Notes must not be used as a replacement for the book!!
Oh, yeah - the Bank Holiday competition results. The answer was that the words "Bank Holiday" were actually used three times during the 2 episodes (so Michael tells me!). After trawling through all the entries, nobody got the right answer! All right, all right! Nobody entered, but are we downhearted? Yes!
Anyway I hope you have a great weekend!!!
Raymond
Ah, here comes an email!
It's from the Chief Executive - he wants to see me on Monday morning at 9.00am. Can't think why!
It's kind of tough being a blogger actually.
Did you know that a new study shows that around 20% of all bloggers have been disciplined by their employers for disobeying blogging policy and more than 7% of bloggers have actually been fired?
Anyway, on to more important things.
The Sales & Service Revision Notes are now complete and are currently awaiting posting to the web. So all you lucky folk doing the Certificate or Diploma in Financial Services can soon download this PDF from the web to help with your revision. Remember though, that these Notes must not be used as a replacement for the book!!
Oh, yeah - the Bank Holiday competition results. The answer was that the words "Bank Holiday" were actually used three times during the 2 episodes (so Michael tells me!). After trawling through all the entries, nobody got the right answer! All right, all right! Nobody entered, but are we downhearted? Yes!
Anyway I hope you have a great weekend!!!
Raymond
Ah, here comes an email!
It's from the Chief Executive - he wants to see me on Monday morning at 9.00am. Can't think why!
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