Annual Review 2005

Read our objectives of raising our profile and status within media and Government, better coordinating activities when promoting science and engineering in schools, and reducing our pension’s deficit.

In our 2004 annual review, we promised early consultation with our members before setting out on any path of convergence with the Institution of Civil Engineers. We actioned this promise in early 2005 with a three-month consultation to all levels of membership.

By mid 2005, over 70% of the 12,000 returns submitted agreed that we should begin initial discussions. It was also agreed that both institutions should capitalise on their combined engineering knowledge by initiating some joint projects, thus demonstrating a shared vision and good collaborative working practices.

Raising our profile and status within media and Government

We have been focusing our media output on current issues where mechanical engineers can provide expert guidance and knowledge. In addition, the new Media Experts’ Database, established in mid-2005, has already started to produce useful contacts between members and media

Better coordinating activities when promoting science and engineering in schools

The G15, consisting of representatives of the 15 most high-profile engineering bodies, agreed with Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation, to work more closely together and reduce duplication of events, information and promotions. With the Royal Academy of Engineering taking the lead, a working paper called TESS (Technology and Engineering in Schools Strategy) is being developed that will enable the engineering institutions to work in a more structured and coordinated way.

Reducing our pension’s deficit

We have been required to place additional funds into the pension scheme and adjust the package offered to the scheme’s members.