The eLN Becomes the eLN CIC
Hadlow (UK), September 2009 - Full members of the eLN - a non-profit organisation run by the eLearning community for the eLearning community - have unanimously approved of the organisation's transition from an unincorporated association to a community interest company (CIC).
Consequently, the organisation became the eLearning Network Community Interest Company (eLN CIC) on 01 September. It has inherited all the assets of the eLN.
The current twelve members of the eLN's committee have been appointed as directors of eLN CIC. The former eLN chairman, Clive Shepherd, continues as chairman of the company's board, and Pat Straughan, the eLN's administrator, has become the company secretary.
Clive Shepherd explained, "The eLN CIC is a 'social enterprise' - that is, a business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community. Social enterprises tackle a wide range of social and environmental issues and operate in all parts of the economy."
He added, "In the case of the eLN CIC, we recognise that many eLearning professionals work alone or in small teams, without the peer support they require. The eLN CIC is determined to remedy this and build the most vibrant community of practice in the industry - hence this move to become a CIC."
Shepherd stressed that becoming a CIC has not changed the organisation's membership structure or its continuing vision and mission. However, as eLN CIC director Viv Cole, of REDTRAY, pointed out, the move now furnishes the organisation with a legal entity.
"This means that, unlike the eLN, the eLN CIC has limited liability and can also enter into contracts in its own name", he said. "This adds 'legal credibility' to the body that has been the leading provider of continuing professional development activities for those in the eLearning sector for over twenty years."
Pat Straughan, the eLN CIC's company secretary, commented, "Becoming a CIC gives us greater status within the business world and should encourage further confidence among those doing business with us."
Like its predecessor body, the eLN CIC offers associate membership absolutely free. Associates are able to enjoy all the benefits of online networking, including the eLN CIC's free webinar programme, with the option to upgrade to full membership at any time.
