As a membership organisation, the ultimate ownership and direction of IWO resides in the hands of members.
Regional activities are run by Area Committees made up of volunteers drawn from local membership. There are eight areas covering the UK and there is also a growing International membership.
IWO has a small Board of Directors and an Area Forum. The Board are responsible for managing the business, policy implementation and legal compliance. The Area Forum concentrates on sharing best practice whilst retaining the ability to influence overall strategy and policy-making.
The Area Forum comprises one Corporate Member from each IWO Area plus the Non-Exec Chair, the Marketing & Events Manager and the only Executive member of the Board, the IWO Chief Executive. Area Representatives, who must be Corporate Members, will be elected at Area AGMs, normally for a period of 3 years. Members will be advised of the nomination process when they receive notice of their Area AGM.
IWO has 3 members of staff. The Chief Executive, Marketing & Events Manager and Office Manager are based at IWO Headquarters in Gateshead.