About The IAM

About The IAM

The IAM is dedicated to supporting professionals throughout their careers. The institute offers individual and corporate membership packages designed to help members build skills, gain confidence, and expand their professional networks. Membership is open to a wide range of roles including Administrators, Office Managers, Personal Assistants (PAs), Executive Assistants (EAs), Virtual Assistants (VAs), and Business Managers

Skill Enhancement

Vision

The IAM envisions becoming the premier global body for administrative management, recognised for advancing the profession and supporting the career growth of administrative professionals

Career Advancement

Mission

The IAM's mission is to provide professional development, advocate for the profession, support career advancement, deliver up-to-date industry knowledge, and promote continuous learning

Our IAM Values

Skill Enhancement

Commitment to Learning

Emphasising continuous education and skill development in business and administrative management.

Career Advancement

Professional Growth

Supporting career progression through targeted professional development programs.

Career Advancement

Innovation in Training

Integrating new methods and technologies in educational offerings to stay current with industry trends.

Networking Opportunities

Community and Networking

Emphasising continuous education and skill development in administrative management.

Practical Knowledge

Excellence in Administration

Promoting best practices and high standards in administrative management to enhance organisational success.

IAM History

1915
The OMUA

The office environment is transforming, with office machinery replacing paper-based administration methods. Lawrence R Dicksee addresses this change by establishing the Office Machinery Users’ Association (OMUA), the forerunner of the IAM.

1930
The BWMA

For 15 years the OMUA has no competitors but in 1930 the British Works Management Association (BWMA) is founded.

1936
The OMA

In 1936 the OMUA and the BWMA come together to become the Office Management Association (OMA). The OMA want businesses to be clear on the role of office managers and gain greater recognition for them.

1947
Journal Launched

The first journal of the OMA is published. In conjunction with the London School of Economics, they publish the first Clerical Salaries Analysis.

1960
The IOM

In 1960 the OMA changes its name to the Institute of Office Management (IOM)

1965
Change with the Times

As technology spreads the IOM runs conferences on the utilisation of small computers and the 1965 “computer appreciation” five-day course is oversubscribed.

1972
The IAM

Another name change and the IOM becomes the Institute of Administrative Management. This decade also sees the IAM working with the BBC producing 10 television shows on Administrative Management.

2010
The IAM
IPA Incorporated

The Institute of Professional Administrators (IPA) becomes part of the IAM.

2022
The IAM

The IAM sets up Middle East branch in preparation for the global launch of future services.

2025
The IAM

In addition to IAM’s traditional services the IAM becomes a global education and development service.