Independent Professional Institute

Governance & Leadership

How BILPM is Governed

BILPM operates under a clear governance structure designed to ensure independence, credibility, and professional accountability across all recognition, standards, and membership activities.

Independent GovernanceTransparent StandardsProfessional Accountability
BILPM governance and independent professional oversight
Independent Governance

Our Governance Model

Structured. Independent. Accountable.

BILPM's governance framework ensures that all professional recognition, standards development, and membership decisions are made independently, transparently, and in the best interests of the profession and the public.

The institute is governed by a board of experienced professionals drawn from leadership, project management, and organisational development disciplines — none of whom hold commercial interests in BILPM-related training or consulting services.

All board members serve in a voluntary professional capacity

Assessment decisions are made independently of commercial considerations

Standards are reviewed and updated in line with industry practice

Complaints and appeals are handled through a separate independent process

Independence

Governance decisions are made free from commercial influence. Board members and assessors are required to declare and manage any conflicts of interest.

Transparency

BILPM publishes its grade criteria, assessment policies, and governance structure. Applicants always know the basis on which decisions are made.

Accountability

All professional recognition decisions can be appealed. The appeals process is overseen by an independent panel separate from the original assessment team.

Drafting BILPM policy and framework documents

Published policy

Governance records and reference material

Documented decisions

An assessor examining technical work in practice

Independent assessment

The Board

Board of Directors

BILPM's board comprises experienced professionals who provide strategic oversight and ensure the institute upholds its governance commitments.

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Dr. Eleanor Whitmore

Chair

Strategic Leadership

Dr. Whitmore has over 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles across the public and private sectors. She has held board-level positions in FTSE-listed organisations and led major transformation programmes.

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Mr. James Okonkwo

Director of Professional Standards

Programme Management

Mr. Okonkwo is a programme management specialist with 20 years of experience delivering complex, multi-billion-pound infrastructure programmes across the UK and internationally.

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Ms. Priya Sharma

Director of Membership

Organisational Leadership

Ms. Sharma specialises in organisational leadership and has held senior HR and leadership development roles across the financial services and technology sectors.

Governance Bodies

Committees & Panels

Specialist committees support the board in fulfilling BILPM's governance commitments across standards, assessment, and professional education.

Standards Committee

Responsible for developing, maintaining, and reviewing BILPM professional standards, grade criteria, and competence frameworks.

Chair

Mr. James Okonkwo

Members

7 professionals

Assessment Panel

Independent panel of experienced professionals responsible for assessing membership applications against published grade criteria.

Chair

Dr. Eleanor Whitmore

Members

12 professionals

CPD & Education Committee

Oversees the CPD framework, approves training providers, and ensures the currency and relevance of BILPM education standards.

Chair

Ms. Priya Sharma

Members

6 professionals

Questions about BILPM governance?

Contact the BILPM Governance team or explore our published policies and frameworks.