Australian Institute of Office Professionals 

The Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) is a unique national professional body for office/administrative professionals in Australia through its networking events, webinars, workshops; pathways to education and training. Professional and personal development events are held regularly in divisions and by National around Australia.

AIOP is focused on lifting the profile of office professionals across the business community, and accelerating professional development of its members. Members range from entry level to executive level, and represent a diverse range of industries.  Roles include executive assistants, legal assistants, managers, executive officers, team leaders, project officers, personal assistants, and administrative support officers.

AIOP is affiliated with similar professional associations in the USA, UK, Asia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Click here to view the Constitution.

Vision and Purpose

Our Vision

To be the leading organisation that provides pathways to education, develop and mentor its members as office/administrative professionals.

Statement of Purpose 

• Empowering and promoting excellence in the role of the office/administrative professional
• Establishing collaborative relationships and form strategic alliances to advance continuous professional and personal development
• Linking members with opportunities for mentoring

Rebrand   

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In October 2016 the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) undertook a complete re-brand thanks to Event and Conference Co. The design included more modern elements and utilised overlapping diamonds, the theme was "Strength in our Connections".  

As an Institute, we have reaffirmed our commitment to our members and strive to deliver:

• Professional Development opportunities for our members
• Networking Opportunities
• Access to an online network of like-minded professionals (various social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook)
• Enhancement of the profession and the ability to use post nominal letters.

2020 AIOP NATIONAL THEME

See Change l Be Change 2020

This year, our theme is See Change | Be Change 2020, which builds on our 2019 AIOP National Conference where ‘change’ came out as the biggest factor facing Office Professionals in the workplace today. The rate of change is increasing rapidly in our workplaces, with industry leaders placing importance on Office Professionals adopting a ‘change mindset’ to ensure they remain relevant.

In 2020, we want to encourage all Office Professionals to set their 2020 vision by identifying opportunities for change within themselves, their workplaces, setting goals to achieve the desired change and finally, embodying that change.                                                                                                                                                               “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

History 

 The Australian Institute of Office Professionals began with just 12 secretaries who had sat for, and passed, the Commonwealth Secretarial Diploma examinations bearing the post nominal letters of CSD after their names (late 1950s). They decided to form an association for secretaries in Australia, along the lines of similar organisations in America and the UK.

In 1963 (29 July 1963), the Institute of Private Secretaries (Australia) was formed in Melbourne.  Divisions in South Australia (13 August 1965); Western Australia (29 October 1965) and Queensland (8 April 1968).  Victoria Division separated from the Federal Council.  On 30 May 1973, the Institute became a Company Limited by Guarantee. Tasmania Division (3 June 1974), ACT Division (20 August 1976) and New South Wales (20 July 1971), Northern Territory Division was inaugurated on 15 March 1983. 

The Federal Council's first meeting was held on 1 May 1977.  The first Secretary of the Year Award in 1979.  Secretaries' Day was celebrated in 1981.  The Institute changed its name to the Institute of Professional Secretaries (Australia) (IPSA) and then added “Administrators” to its name in 1993, and changed its name to the Australian Institute of Office Professionals in 2000.  

DipIPSA – In 1968 the Institute became the only professional examining body for secretaries in Australia.  AIOP conducted annual Diploma examinations in all States. 

Deakin University commenced administering the DipIPSA in the second half of 1996, and concluded its contract at the end of 2000. Early 2000 Charles Sturt University (CSU) took over administering the DipIPSA, with CSU introducing additional programs.  A Diploma of Business (Administration) is offered is now offered by TAFE Colleges.