Founded 1915

About the Institute

One of the oldest and most respected professional bodies in the United Kingdom, dedicated to advancing administrative and business management excellence for over a century.

A Century of Professional Excellence

The Institute of Administrative Management (IAM) was founded in 1915 when the Office Machinery Users’ Association (OMUA) was convened by London School of Economics lecturer Lawrence Dicksee as a forum for the exchange of experience and ideas on the use of office equipment and systems.

From our founding during the First World War to our current position as a leader in professional development, the IAM has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the profession. Our motto, Non Sibi Sed Toti — Not for Oneself but for All — has guided the Institute since its earliest days.

The IAM is included on the UK Government’s HMRC List 3 of approved professional organisations and learned societies, which means that members may reclaim tax relief on their annual membership subscriptions provided that their IAM membership is relevant to their current employment duties.

Today, we offer 18 IAM Certified Programmes across two pathways, 300+ CPD courses across 11 categories, and professional membership grades from Affiliate to Fellow to deliver world-class professional development and continuing education.

110+ Years of Heritage
Ofqual Regulated Qualifications
300+ CPD Courses
18 Certified Programmes

Mission & Vision

Guiding principles that drive everything we do

Our Vision

To become the premier global body for administrative management, recognised for advancing the profession and supporting the career growth of administrative professionals.

Our Mission

To provide professional development, advocate for the profession, support career advancement, deliver up-to-date industry knowledge, and promote continuous learning.

What We Stand For

The core principles that guide our actions and define our culture

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards in everything we do, from our qualifications to our member services and professional support.

Integrity

We act with honesty and transparency in all our dealings, building trust with our members, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.

Innovation

We embrace change and continuously evolve our offerings to meet the needs of modern professionals in a rapidly changing world.

Inclusivity

We welcome professionals from all backgrounds and actively support diversity and inclusion within our global community.

Impact

We measure our success by the positive difference we make in our members' careers and the organisations they serve.

Learning

We champion lifelong learning and professional development, supporting members at every stage of their career journey.

Supporting Professional Excellence

Comprehensive services to advance your career and the profession

01

Ofqual Qualifications

The IAM delivers Qualifi’s Ofqual-regulated qualifications.

02

Continuing Professional Development

Through the IAM platform, we provide CPD courses, resources, and learning opportunities to support ongoing professional growth.

03

Recognised Training Centres

We maintain a network of Recognised Training Centres worldwide, ensuring consistent quality and standards in the delivery of IAM Certified Programmes.

04

Professional Membership

Our membership grades recognise achievement and provide access to exclusive benefits, networking opportunities, and professional recognition.

05

Corporate Services

We work with organisations to develop their administrative workforce through tailored training solutions and programme certification.

06

Professional Advocacy

We champion the administrative profession, raising its profile and advocating for the recognition of administrative professionals' vital contributions.

A Century of Professional Excellence

Photographs from the IAM’s archive, spanning over a century of professional development, events, and community.

C.P. Holland, Vice President of the Office Management Association
C.P. Holland — Vice President of the Office Management Association
OMUA members examining office machinery
Office Machinery Exhibition — OMUA members examining the latest office equipment
IAM committee meeting
Committee Meeting — IAM leadership at work
IAM Annual Conference
Annual Conference — Members at the IAM’s annual professional conference
IAM members group photograph
Members’ Gathering — IAM members and Fellows at a professional event
IAM President wearing chain of office
Presidential Chain of Office — IAM leadership with the Institute’s chain of office
IAM Graduation Ceremony
Graduation Ceremony — IAM graduates in academic regalia
IAM CPD Event in Liverpool
CPD Event, Liverpool — Members at an IAM professional development event
IAM members at a country estate
International Members — IAM’s diverse global community

Recognition & Registration

IAM's qualifications and professional standards are recognised by leading regulatory and awarding bodies

UK Government Recognised Professional Institute

The IAM is recognised on the UK Government’s official list of professional bodies, affirming our status as an established and credible professional institute for the advancement of administrative management.

Professional Body

Recognised Body of Qualifi

The IAM is a recognised body of Qualifi, a leading UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. The IAM delivers Qualifi’s Ofqual-regulated qualifications, which are aligned with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Awarding Organisation Partner

UK Registered Learning Provider

IAM is registered on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP), the definitive register of all education and training providers in the United Kingdom.

UKPRN: 10064134

Key Milestones

Over a century of advancing the administrative profession

1915

Foundation

The Office Machinery Users' Association (OMUA) was founded at the London School of Economics by Professor Lawrence R. Dicksee, an accountant and university lecturer, as a forum for the exchange of experience and ideas on the use of office equipment and systems.

1935

Office Management Association

The organisation changed its name to the Office Management Association (OMA), reflecting its broader scope in supporting office management professionals across the United Kingdom.

1940s

Post-War Growth

Expansion of membership and services following World War II, supporting the reconstruction of British industry and commerce through professional development.

1960

Institute of Office Management

Renamed the Institute of Office Management (IOM), establishing its identity as a professional institute with a comprehensive approach to office management practice.

1972

Institute of Administrative Management

The organisation adopted its current title, the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), reflecting the profession’s evolution from task-orientated execution to strategic administrative leadership.

2010

International Growth

Introduction of the Institute of Professional Administrators (IPA) into IAM's framework, expanding professional recognition and membership pathways for administrative professionals.

2014

Re-establishment

IAM was acquired and re-established under Industry Qualifications (IQ), focusing on re-establishing IAM qualifications and re-engaging with students and members worldwide.

2026

Digital Services & AI Innovation

Advancing our services with a focus on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, delivering innovative learning solutions and enhanced member experiences for the modern professional.

Start Your Professional Journey Today

Become part of a worldwide network of professional administrators committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

Explore 300+ CPD Courses

Enhance your skills with our comprehensive range of continuing professional development courses available on the IAM platform.

Browse CPD Courses

Become IAM Certified

Take your career to the next level with our professional certified programmes aligned to the IAM Professional Standards.

View Certified Programmes

IAM Services

Discover how IAM can support your professional journey