An Engine for Change - A Chronicle of the Engineering Council

ANNEX H 219Institution of Water OfficersPresent relationship with Government appears to be good. Relationship with employers andthe public is poor, with many unaware of the existence or role of the Engineering Council.This should be improved by the current ‘Recognising Excellence’ campaign.Institute of Road Transport EngineersIt is difficult to judge relationships at arms length but the need for one effective andauthoritative interface, for instance with Government, goes without question. It would appearthat Engineering Council is effective in this regard and certainly better than a hotch potchapproach from assorted discipline Institutions and Learned Societies on matters ofengineering.The question refers to EMTA but the broader spectrum of training is far reachingencompassing many specific interest and perhaps too big for the Engineering Council toinfluence. The current level of Engineering Council involvement has to be of benefit in termsof relationship but can it offer the overall leadership and co-ordination role to generate adynamic impact? The transfer of WISE to EMTA is seen to be a sensible and relationshipstrengthening move.The Engineering Council interface with industry will inevitably be tenuous with anticipatedquestions regarding the need, duplication, effectiveness, cost and necessity of a relationship.The argument for a collective Institutional voice will not always suit differing industrialobjectives and priorities. Leadership and benefit are two key elements toward enhancementof Engineering Council industrial standing and there is a long way to go to convince smallercompanies where the registration catchment area is arguably greatest.The engineering profession’s relationship with the public at large leaves much to be desiredand image enhancement is a massive task in an era when the UK manufacturing base isperceived to be in sharp decline. The Engineering Council has its part to play in the interestregeneration process but cannot be totally accountable for the ultimate result as so manyfactors are interwoven.Comments on the organisation of the Engineering CouncilAssociation of Cost Engineers*Organisation/administration has improved over the last three years in terms ofcommunication with and involvement of Nominated Bodies. The Strategy Review hasprovided more focus to Engineering Council activities.Institution of Electrical EngineersThe Engineering Council has suffered from an unfortunate culture in that it often appearsbureaucratic and mechanistic but its responses, rather than being customer-focused - but itstill isn’t clear who its customers are!The two most recent Directors General have been unable to provide the leadership required,despite being conscientious, very well intentioned and determined to succeed. To appoint© Engineering Council UK 2004