Valerie Stroud quits after 10 years as the power behind the IDE throne.
The Institute of Demolition Engineers was rocked this afternoon with the news that Valerie Stroud – national secretary and the–day-today manager of the Institute – has resigned unexpectedly.
In a brief statement circulated to members, Stroud makes it clear that her position had become untenable after a meeting last week at which the IDE’s council of management discussed a succession plan for when she retires.
“Unfortunately at their meeting last Thursday the Council of Management made it plain that my work and commitment were of little value,” Stroud says. “As I have never been honoured with a Contract of Employment I am resigning with immediately [SIC] effect.”
With no obvious successor in place, Stroud’s departure will leave a gaping hole in the Institute. In addition to the usual duties of the national secretary, Stroud single-handedly ran the IDE’s Demolition Engineer magazine and the Institute’s website.
“We’re all a bit taken aback,” says IDE president Steve Jack. “We have been discussing a succession plan for Valerie for some time and I expected her to continue until my presidency comes to an end in 2014.”
