Institution News
The next member in the CICES presidential chain, the vice president, will need considering very soon. This is because Dr Andrew Evans, CICES current president, steps down later this year in September 2023, with senior vice president Batsetswe Motsumi taking over the reins until September 2024. Alison Watson MBE will be then become president until the following September in 2025. The traditional practice is to interchange between geospatial and commercial management to ensure fair representation of the membership disciplines, so ideally the 2025-2026 president should be operating in the commercial management space.
Some considerations that Council of Management will be discussing include the vice president being an active CICES member, possibly a member of a core committee and with the understanding that the membership commitment on Council of Management – including the presidency – is for four years. Watch this space!
Engineering and technology among top five degree subjects
EngineeringUK has published ‘Engineering in higher education’ – a report that reveals that engineering and technology is the fourth most popular subject for first-degree undergraduates and the most popular subject for postgraduate research students.
Based on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the report highlights the positive employment prospects that await students taking engineering and technology subjects at university.
Dr Claudia Mollidor head of research and evaluation at EngineeringUK, said: “Studying engineering and technology offers a huge range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. There are many different pathways into engineering-related careers and I’d encourage students, teachers and career advisors to explore all the routes available, so young people can find a path that’s best suited for them.”
To coincide with the report, EngineeringUK has launched a new careers resource – ‘From idea to career’. This is a free, downloadable booklet which showcases the breadth of rewarding careers available in engineering and technology.
The report and booklet can be downloaded at: https://www.engineeringuk.com/he and https://bit.ly/3nyG8bJ.
Webinar roundup
Thanks to everyone who attended and presented our recent webinars. This included Andrew Rush, Sarah Lester and Nick Cusack of Archor; Sarah Prior, Tim Boucher, Catherine Andrews, and John Fawcett of Birketts; and William Brown of Fortfield & Brown. CICES also held a webinar to introduce members to the Go Construct STEM Ambassador scheme.
ICE responds to the NIC’s Infrastructure Progress Report
In response to the National Infrastructure Commission’s recent Infrastructure Progress Report, Chris Richards, Director of Policy at the Institution of Civil Engineers said: “Last year when the NIC issued its progress report the ICE observed that the lack of progress toward meeting long term netzero and levelling up objectives was ‘concerning’. This year, the lack of progress can best be described as ‘alarming’. Given the alarming nature of the report, ICE recommends the Treasury Select Committee hold a one-off evidence session so that ministers can respond to the warnings and recommendations made by the NIC on the record. The government needs to establish clear policy frameworks for other areas to get us back on track, we can’t waste any more time.”
EDI Council name change: Equality to equity
CICES Council of Management recently approved the decision taken by members of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Council to change its name. The switch, from ‘equality, diversity and inclusion’ to ‘equity, diversity and inclusion’, better represents the values of the institution and its members.
It also reflects the prevailing attitude among many progressive organisations to better define what they mean by ‘fairness’ for all. Why equity over equality?
According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, equality means ensuring every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. This is a noble aim in itself and should be seen as an aspiration – but it can only be truly realised on a completely level playing field. Equity means treating people fairly depending on their individual circumstances, whether this refers to gender identity or sexuality; disability or health; race or nationality; religion or any other aspect of an individual’s personal makeup – and making the necessary allowances or adjustments for their requirements.
EDI Council chair, Simon Navin, commented: “I am delighted Council of Management has approved this change. The focus on equity, which extends the concept of equality by aiming to provide support and consideration based on an individual’s needs to achieve fairness, is the right one. Furthermore, it shows how CICES is developing in its understanding of EDI issues and not afraid to adjust to what is right and appropriate, as we mature our thinking in this golden thread.
Regardless of the title, the institution’s progress in this sphere will continue as focused as ever, spearheaded by its EDI Council. You can view the CICES EDI policy at: www.cices.org/publications/policy-documents
Left to right: Kenneth Salmon, CIArb North West; Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Mark Hudson, chair CICES North West & North Wales.
Manchester Lecture 2023
The Manchester Lecture 2023 – a joint event between CICES North West & North Wales and CIArb North West – was held in February at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. The theme for the day was Northern Powerhouse – Levelling Up in the North West with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester delivering the keynote.
Thanks to the delegates and the speakers who contributed to very successful event; Steve Cooper, Network Rail; Hon Mrs Justice O’Farrell DBE, Technology & Construction Court; Simon Navin, Jacobs; Jane Gunn, immediate past president CIArb; Genna Rourke, GBC Services - United Living Group and to Kenneth Salmon, CIArb North West as master of ceremonies.