The VO Scheme 12 months on

Celebrating the success of the Visiting Officer Scheme in East Kent

In September 2023, the Visiting Officer (VO) scheme was introduced in East Kent, and it understandably received a range of reactions as it replaced the long-standing PGM Representative at each Installation Meeting.

While the concept of Visiting Officers isn’t new—many Provinces already employ them—our approach in East Kent was to ensure that this was more than just a replacement of the old system. We aimed to create a foundation that would allow the Executive to gain a deeper understanding of the status and needs of Lodges and Chapters, with the goal of helping them grow and thrive. It was crucial that our support be prompt, straightforward, and foster an environment where two-way communication was both quick and effective.

An important element of the VO scheme was helping Lodges better understand and implement the Members’ Pathway. We knew that for the system to be successful, the Executive from both the Craft and Royal Arch, along with their Team Leaders, would need to actively review each Installation Return and periodic Updates. This would enable them to proactively address challenges identified by the VOs in a timely manner. Considering that there are about 170 Craft Installations and 60 Chapter Installations annually, this has been a significant undertaking. However, I assure you that each return is thoroughly reviewed, and the information gathered is invaluable in providing us with a comprehensive overview.

The VOs were carefully selected based on their experience, with many having previously served as Representatives of the PGM. However, we also brought in new faces, each contributing fresh perspectives. We have supported the VOs, ensuring they can assist Lodges and Chapters in strengthening the Members’ Pathway and fostering a supportive environment. Another key aspect of the VO role is to ensure that Brethren are recognised for their efforts, not overlooked for Provincial Appointments or Promotions, and to identify those with valuable skills that could benefit the team both now and in the future.

Absolutely. I’m pleased to report that the first 12 months have been a resounding success. We have effectively supported Lodges and Chapters, identified issues, provided guidance and solutions, and ensured that assistance from various Provincial Service Heads has been delivered promptly and efficiently.

While the system isn’t perfect and we are continually making improvements, we recently held a meeting with the VOs to gather their feedback and suggestions for further enhancements.

This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without your support. We extend our sincere thanks to all of you for embracing the change and, in most cases, welcoming your respective VOs. Special thanks also go to the VOs, Service Heads, and their teams for their dedication and hard work in making this initiative a success.

The results speak for themselves. East Kent has always been a leader in Freemasonry, and our innovative approach to the introduction of Visiting Officers is no exception. As the APGM responsible for Membership remarked, “There is no doubt that the introduction of the VO scheme has significantly improved our engagement with all aspects of the Members’ Pathway, especially the Membership Challenge, which you are all familiar with. I can confirm that for the first time in many years, we are seeing a positive trend with new Members outpacing our usual losses, which is fantastic news for the Province and our Membership.”

Here’s to the next 12 months.

W.Bro. Trevor Carter  
APGM