The letter from Dr Colin Hawthorne (BSj 04/04) referring back to the extraordinary general meeting held in December last year, reminded me of the unique status held by those CIBSE members who attained full membership of the institution by means of the 'Academic test'.
As far as I am aware, those members (including myself) are still denied the status of CEng, but it appears that the institution is now proposing to offer this accolade to non-qualified Honorary Fellows? As a full member of CIBSE for over 20 years now, who attained membership by a recognised academic route, I would feel particularly aggrieved if this proposal was adopted in full, and agree with Dr Hawthorne that, if an honorary grade is to be awarded, it should not be accompanied by automatic CEng status. Perhaps CIBSE could comment on the discrimination of the 'Academic test' Members with respect to CEng status?

CIBSE responds...

It is still vivid in the minds of all at CIBSE that, when CIBS joined the Engineering Council, the ‘Academic test’ which many had taken was for some reason not recognised for registration purposes. As a result, many Members were denied CEng registration.

However, it is not correct that Honorary Fellows are awarded CEng registration. All potential registrants follow strict procedures and need to meet rigorous competence and seniority requirements, tested at interview, and there are no proposals to alter this.

CIBSE fought very long and hard to persuade the Engineering Council to change its view, sadly to no avail. We took heart, to a certain extent, however, when ECUK introduced (for a five year period ending in June 2005) a Senior Candidate Route to Fellowship and CEng registration. This has permitted a number of Members and Fellows to gain the registration status previously denied them.

Source

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Sustainable Design

Postscript

Patrick Carroll MCIBSE, DE USF project manager