PRESS RELEASE: Sammantha Maclachlan Appointed New Chair of the Institute of Registered Valuers

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sammantha Maclachlan FIRV as the new Chair of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV). Sammantha succeeds Heather Callaway FIRV, who has completed her term after leading the Institute since 2024.

Sammantha steps into the role following her tenure as Vice Chair, bringing with her a clear commitment to strengthening communication, expanding learning opportunities, and fostering greater engagement across the membership.

Reflecting on her appointment, Sammantha said,

“I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Institute of Registered Valuers. My sincere thanks go to Heather Callaway for her leadership and for all that she has done to raise the Institute's profile across the broader industry. It has been a privilege to work alongside her, and the foundations she has helped strengthen will benefit our community for years to come.

“The strength of our Institute lies in our members, and I encourage every Member and Fellow to get involved, whether through our panels, working groups, educational initiatives, or mentoring opportunities. The future of the Institute is built by all of us, and together we can create an Institute that is better-connected, supporting future valuers to be more empowered, and supportive of all for the future.

Outgoing Chair, Heather Callaway, offered her full support to Sammantha as she steps into the role.

“I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Sammantha. She has the full support of the IRV professional community group, who have long recognised her presence within the sector and her approachable nature with members.

“On a personal note, I have greatly enjoyed representing the needs of IRVs during my time as Chair. I look forward to continuing to contribute as a member of the IRV Professional Community Group and to supporting Sammantha and the incoming Vice Chair, as the Institute continues to grow and thrive.”

The official handover of the Chair position will take place at the Valuers’ Conference on 16th May, where the announcement will be made in front of attending IRV Members, Fellows and industry peers, marking a fitting recognition of Heather Callaway’s dedicated service.

Heather will remain as a board director of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) and Chair of the BATF charity commission.

A Call for Greater Engagement Across the Community

A central theme of Sammantha’s mini manifesto to the community group was the commitment to increased engagement. She emphasised that a thriving Institute relies on members feeling informed, valued, and empowered to participate. Under her guidance, the IRV will focus on:

• Strengthening communication between members, leadership, and working groups
• Expanding meaningful learning and Continuing Professional Development opportunities
• Encouraging mentorship at all levels of experience
• Supporting sustainable growth of the Institute both nationally and internationally
• Enhancing member engagement and encouraging contributions to standards, education, events, and outreach

The IRV professional community group (below) warmly welcomes fellow valuers to take 2-3 of the observer places it offers at each of its three meetings per year.

• Sammantha Maclachlan FIRV Chair
• Heather Callaway FIRV
• Mehdi Saadian FIRV
• Barry Sullivan FIRV
• Rosamond Clayton FIRV
• Nick Hadler FIRV
• Seth Solomons MIRV
• Rachel Kinsella MIRV
• Anna Rogers FIRV
• Sandra Page
• Peter Goodman

Recent observers

• Lady Anna Robertson FIRV
• Charlotte Webster MIRV
• Shelley Keating MIRV

About the NAJ

We are the leading voice for the UK Jewellery industry, shaping the way for our 1700 member companies employing 24,000 people. We protect, promote and prepare our members to make them Fit for the Future. The Association was formed in 2015 through the unification of the British Jewellers' Association (BJA) and National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG). The Institute of Registered Valuers is also part of the NAJ family, comprised of around 100 professional valuers with formal qualifications and substantial experience. Every NAJ member is required to abide by the NAJ's Code of Conduct - based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. 

www.naj.co.uk 

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