The boards of the IMechE, IEE and IIE are discussing plans for a three-way merger between the engineering institutions that would form a single body with over 250 000 members serving the UK's m&e sectors.
Initial discussions have taken place between the Instituition of Mechanical Enghineers (IMechE), the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) over a proposal to merge the three institutions to form a new, single body for the m&e sector.

The presidents of the three, Professor Mike Sterling (IEE), John McDougall (IMechE) and Bill Dennay (IIE) have sent a letter to the Council of their respective institutions stating the case for the merger. They reason: "Engineering is increasingly a multi-disciplinary endeavour and this is particularly true of the many sectors which are common to all three institutions. We do not think that it would be sensible for each institution to respond to these trends by individually broadening its scope."

The move has been welcomed by industry, with Lord Sainsbury, the science and innovation minister commenting: "The creation of a large organisation that represents a broad spectrum within the engineering profession has many advantages, particularly in terms of providing a stronger voice for the profession and for tackling crucial skills issues."

Sterling agreed: "By merging we will be better able to meet the needs of our combined membership in the most cost-effective manner. A merged body would also be far more effective in promoting engineering and the contribution it makes to society and the economy."

Individual meetings of the institutions' councils are now planned to discuss the proposal. The IMechE is set to meet on 28 May and the IIE on 19 June. The IEE Board of Trustees met with its Council on 15 May, a spokesperson reported: "The feedback from the Council was very positive.

"We await the views of the other two institutions and assuming they are equally positive we will move on to the next stage."

The IIE expects a firm proposal to be put to the full membership by the end of 2003, assuming all three parties remain interested.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor