Be the Change – Participate in an Investment Migration
Community of Practice
Following the approval from the IMC Governing Board in July 2024, and the adoption in November 2024 of the related regulatory framework, the IMC Secretariat is embarking on an innovative and bold strategy aimed at enhancing its global outreach, as well as fostering improved exchanges with its current and future members through a new structured exchange of information and best practice framework aptly named Community of Practice or CoP for short.
IM CoPs are groups of people who share a common profession or interest and who come together benevolently to share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices. These communities, which are typically centred around a specific domain or field, foster collaboration and learning amongst our members.
Characteristics of IM Community of Practice:
Domain: A CoP is defined by its domain of interest, which gives members a shared identity and purpose. The domain can be broad (e.g., Advocacy) or specific (e.g., Professional Standards).
Community: Members of a CoP engage in joint activities and discussions, help each other, and share information. They build relationships that enable them to learn from one another. These communities will be facilitated by utilising Microsoft TEAMS.
Practice: CoP members are practitioners who develop a shared repertoire of resources, including experiences, stories, tools, and ways of addressing recurring problems. This shared practice is what distinguishes a community of practice from other groups and networks.
The IMC is dedicated to attracting skilled individuals who aspire to participate in advancing the association and promoting global investment migration. By joining our IM Community of Practice, an IMC member can actively contribute and create a positive impact within the IMC, as well as to the profession at large.
These individual communities will be focused on:
Academia: Providing the academic authorship of papers and reports to members, policymakers and the public.
Advocacy: New practices in advocacy for the IMC, deliberating on public policy issues and developing industry intelligence, and positioning advisory services for the IMC’s advocacy activities.
Communication: Refining the IMC’s messaging by improving stakeholder communication and channels used to disseminate a sustainable cohesive message.
Digital transformation: Providing advisory services to the IMC’s digital transformation goals.
Education & Training: Answering the questions: What do IMC members want to learn about? How do they want to learn? How can IMC member learning be improved?
Events overseeing: Exploring the latest developments in events and meetings to further enhance members’ experiences at IMC events.
Membership Development: Enhancing the value proposition of the IMC's membership by evaluating current advantages, recommending new benefits, and coming out with outreach ideas to attract potential new members.
Professional Standards: Researching and reporting on the trends/expectations of professional standards. Introducing new codes of practice.
Regulatory Affairs: Exploring laws and regulations affecting and influencing our profession.
Benefits of IM CoPs:
1. Have a voice and contribute to shaping our profession: Meaningful change and lasting impact on the investment migration profession and IMC as a whole.
2. Knowledge Sharing and Learning: CoPs provide a platform for members to share their knowledge and learn from each other, leading to continuous professional development.
3. Innovation: By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, CoPs can foster innovation and generate new ideas and solutions.
4. Collaborative spaces rather than competitive spaces: participation is to benefit all.
5. Professional Development: Participation in a CoP can help members stay updated with the latest trends and developments in their field, enhancing their skills and career prospects.
6. Networking: CoPs offer opportunities for members to build professional networks, which can lead to collaborations, mentorship, and career opportunities.
7. Support and Motivation: Being part of a community with shared interests and challenges can provide emotional support and motivation, helping members overcome professional obstacles.
8. Standardisation and Best Practices: CoPs often work towards developing and promoting best practices and standards within their field, improving the overall quality of work.
Criteria for Leader of a Community of Practice
Subject-Matter Expertise:
- Deep expertise in investment migration, ideally with at least 5 years of experience.
Guidance and Facilitation Skills:
- A fellow of IMC
- Proven ability to facilitate productive discussions and decision-making.
- Experience managing diverse stakeholders and navigating complex professional dynamics.
- Understanding of CoP dynamics and philosophy of collaboration and role is to guide.
Vision and Strategy:
- Ability to articulate a clear vision for the CoP and align its objectives with the IMC’s mission.
- Strategic thinking to identify and prioritise initiatives that advance the CoP’s goals.
Effective Communication:
- Strong communication skills to inspire members, advocate for the CoP’s interests and represent the CoP in the broader IMC membership.
Commitment and Availability:
- A willingness to dedicate time and energy to coordinating CoP activities, mentoring members, and assisting driving projects forward for a period of 2 years.
Project Management Skills:
- Experience in managing projects, setting timelines, and delivering outcomes.
- A willingness to engage with Microsoft Teams to coordinate CoP efforts.
Advocacy and Representation:
- Ability to act as an ambassador for the CoP within the IMC and the broader investment migration community, promoting its contributions and engaging stakeholders.
Ethics and Professional Standards:
- An impeccable record of ethical conduct and alignment with the IMC’s professional standards.
Criteria for Members of a Community of Practice
Professional Relevance:
- Must work in or have expertise in investment migration or related fields such as legal practice, finance, compliance, government policy, or migration services, and must be an IMC member for at least the last 3 years.
Commitment to Shared Goals:
- Willingness to actively contribute to the CoP’s objectives, such as knowledge sharing, best practices development and advancing professional standards.
Experience and Expertise:
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant full time professional experience in investment migration or a related domain.
- Specialised knowledge in CoP areas is considered an advantage.
Engagement and Collaboration:
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse professionals and contribute meaningfully in discussions or projects.
- Commitment to attend and actively participate in CoP meetings and activities.
Ethical Standards:
- Proven adherence to high ethical standards and professional integrity, aligning with IMC’s professional standards.
Interest in Continuous Learning:
- Enthusiasm for professional development and staying updated on trends and innovations in the field.
Meet the IM CoP Chair
The appointed IMC Communities of Practice Chairperson is Ms Lisa Chanesman, an IMC member based in Dubai.
Lisa is the managing partner of Chanesman Global LLC. A graduate of the IMC Certification in Investment Migration, she also holds a Masters in Migration Law and has completed her graduate studies in lecturing and convening University level programs.
Lisa’s ambitious goal is to close the gap between academic theories and their practical application. This was ignited when she lectured the Migration law programme at Australia’s prestigious Australian National University from 2009 for eight years. This passion was further flamed in 2017 when, as the National Lecturer in Charge of Migration Law at Australian Catholic University, she developed and integrated the first online law programme for the Thomas Moore Law School.
Since 2007, Lisa has successfully managed her migration law practice while contributing her expertise to various government and private advisory boards. 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 Communities of Practice is one of collaboration, innovation and thought leadership for the benefit of the Investment Migration Council.
As chairperson of the IMC CoPs, she will play a crucial role in guiding the different CoP chapters, facilitating its activities, and ensuring that it achieves its goals.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Investment Migration Community of Practice?
IM CoPs are a platform for investment migration professionals to collaborate, share insights, discuss best practices and address industry challenges. They foster professional development, advocacy and innovation within our profession.
Who can join the IM CoPs?
Investment Migration Council members. Non-members may be invited to join a CoP depending on the CoP’s focus.
What are the key topics discussed by the CoPs?
There are 9 key areas the IM CoPs will focus on
- Academic
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Digital Transformation
- Education & Training
- Events Oversight
- Membership Development
- Professional Standards
- Regulatory Affairs
What is my time commitment as a member of an IM CoP?
You will be expected to attend 4 scheduled CoP meetings in a 12-month period. There may be extra meetings scheduled depending on status of CoP. You will be expected to commit to a 2 year term to enable continuance of knowledge on a project.
Are there any events or networking opportunities for members of the CoPs?
There will be an opportunity for the CoP members to meet exclusively during The Investment Migration Conference in Dubai in May 2025.
