A guide to the Specific Interest Groups

APM Specific Interest Groups (SIGs) have an important role to play within APM. They provide a forum where members and their guests can discuss a particular aspect of project, programme and portfolio management in which they have a common interest. These groups help further the understanding and the practice of tools and techniques within the defined area of interest by growing their membership, holding events and publishing resource material.

The SIGs are a coming together of practice, consultancy and academia working to produce guides, white papers, conferences, seminars and a space to network and share ideas.

Specific Interest Groups are formed by groups of volunteers and provide a unique meeting place for experts, beginners, specialists and generalists from all industry sectors. Download the latest SIG Guide now for more information.

Profile of an APM Volunteer

Name: Hollie Woodard

Job title: Project manager, Volker Rail

Volunteer role: Women in Project Management SIG

Why did you decide to become a volunteer with APM?
I joined the Women in Project Management (WiPM) Specific Interest Group earlier this year, as I am keen  to develop my own skills in activities outside my day job, such as organising events and providing input into industry articles. I also want to work with like-minded individuals to help shape the future of women in project management.

I have attended a number of APM events over the past few years, and I have always felt inspired by the organisation and commitment of the individuals involved. As I am based in the north, I felt it was important to get involved to increase the breadth of knowledge geographically, as having people based across the UK can assist in widening the scope for events.

What benefits have you gained from being an APM volunteer?

It is early days for me, but, just from talking to other members and watching them in action, I have already gained more confidence in my ability to assist in organising an event. I have met some great people and gained some excellent contacts through the networking opportunities. I work in the rail industry, and it is beneficial to interact with people from other industries. I believe this is a great way of informally sharing knowledge and best practice while increasing your network.

I attended the WiPM Conference in September and, although I was not personally involved in the event’s organisation, I was proud to be a part of the team that was.

What would you say to an APM member looking to become a volunteer? Any tips?
My advice to anyone considering volunteering would be to go for it. If you have something you are particularly passionate about, then focus on that. You may have opportunities to get involved in projects that would not normally be part of your day-to-day role. These are great ways of expanding your skill set and network of contacts.

APM now has a total of 15 Specific Interest Groups, all of which have their own community page:

• APM Assurance SIG
• APM Benefits Management SIG
• APM Contracts and Procurement SIG
• APM Enabling Change SIG
• APM Governance SIG
• APM Knowledge SIG
• APM People SIG
• APM Planning, Monitoring and Control SIG
• APM PMO SIG
• APM Portfolio Management SIG
• APM Programme Management SIG
• APM Risk SIG
• APM Systems Thinking SIG
• APM Value Management SIG
• APM Women in Project Management SIG

The success of the APM SIGs and branches rely on its volunteers... if you feel you can add something, why not see if there's a role for you?

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact volunteers@apm.org.uk