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In a move which surely raises the question: "Have IDEA learned nothing about being perceived as a top-down fiefdom?" IDEA have now issued confidentiality agreements to each of the candidates standing for the 2008-09 Committee.

The explanation given was

"... just issued a confidentiality agreement to all of the candidates ... and it is a mandatory requirement that they each sign and return this ... before being eligible to stand for election. The reason for this is that sadly two ex steering group candidates ... revealed details of confidential discussions concerning IDEA's future plans, plus another ex steering group member has been allegedly feeding info to ..."

We can only hope that the future of IDEA is more positive and beneficial than its recent past when IDEA publicly announced that EPC fees had fallen to 30.00 or less winning few favours amongst DEA/HIs hacked off with ever-plummeting fees.

Although confidentiality agreements seem a worthwhile concept to encourage unity as IDEA attempts to head away from being 90% Pack Provider and 'deal maker'/10% lobby group, they won't actually stand up to closer scrutiny if challenged (case law is out there). Lets hope its just not a problem and this time round IDEA can re-launch with a robust and transparent framework that delivers real members benefits and representation.

Best of luck to all 2008-09 candidates (almost all of who are HI forum members and contributors too), almost without exception, you have a shoddy organisation reputation to overcome that was nothing of your doing, but with some hard graft it can be done. The opportunities remain huge, there are over 8000 accredited DEA/HIs looking for leadership, could it be that IDEA Mark II can provide it?

Voting starts next week, to all IDEA members, remember to stick your X in the box!

Labels: IDEA-issues-gagging-order-to-Committee-candidate confidentiality-agreement-non-disclosure