IMC’s Communities of Practice
An article written by Lisa Chanesman, Chairperson of the IM Community of Practice for the IM Yearbook 2025.
With approval and encouragement from the Investment Migration Council Board of Governors, the IMC Secretariat is embarking on an innovative and bold strategy aimed at enhancing its global outreach.
It is fostering improved exchanges with its current and future members through a new structured exchange of information and best practice framework aptly named Communities of Practice or CoPs for short which replace the Advisory Committee.
IMC Professional CoPs are groups of people who share a common interest and who come together benevolently to share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices. These communities, which are typically centred around a specific field of interest, will foster collaboration and learning among the IMC community.
They will come together on a specialised online platform powered by Microsoft and benevolently share knowledge, experiences and best practices in the following areas communication, membership development, advocacy, digital transformation, academics, education and training, professional standards, and events. The CoPs have been designed to address key aspects of our profession – to foster collaboration and to support the evolution of global investment migration.
The IMC Board has appointed Lisa Chanesman as its inaugural Chairperson. Lisa, as an IMC member and holder of the IMC certification, comes to the IMC with over 17 years’ experience managing her migration law practice whilst contributing her expertise to various government and private advisory boards.
Lisa lectured in the Migration law programme at Australia’s prestigious Australian National University for
eight years. She then accepted the role as the National Lecturer in Charge of Migration Law at Australian Catholic University, where she developed and integrated the first online law programme for the Thomas Moore Law School.
During this time, Lisa also led a Community of Practice of migration law professionals. This experience, along with Lisa’s academic and professional background makes her the perfect fit as Chairperson of the IMC Communities of Practice.
Lisa’s vision for the CoPs is one of collaboration, innovation and thought leadership for the benefit of the Investment Migration Council. As chairperson, she will play a crucial role in guiding the different CoP chapters, facilitating its activities, and ensuring that it achieves its goals.
“Communities of Practice serve as collaborative platforms where members can formally share best practices, explore new ideas and engage in meaningful conversations within a specific area of interest within the Investment Migration Council. Our aim is to foster a culture of thought leadership, shared learning, innovation and professional development across the IMC’s global membership.”
Communities of Practice will consist of three to five members each. Each one will be facilitated by a CoP Leader. IMC CEO Bruno L’ecuyer said: “I encourage all IMC members to apply for membership to a Community of Practice that aligns with their expertise and interest and where they can contribute most meaningfully. The recent establishment of new CoPs marks a significant step forward, emphasising the IMC’s commitment to enhancing professional standards and knowledge sharing for all members.”
The CoPs embody the IMC’s vision for a united and forward-thinking profession. By addressing critical areas and engaging diverse expertise, these groups will not only strengthen the IMC but also empower professionals to navigate the complexities of investment migration with confidence and purpose.
More information on this new initiative can be obtained from: www.investmentmigration.org/ about/communities-of-practice
