
Supporting the inspection and insurance industries
BES is SOE's group for those who work as engineer surveyors, which is a specialist role within operations engineering. Originally part of the Institution of Plant Engineers, pre-merger, BES was formed as a separate SOE sector, which currently serves around 1,200 SOE members and provides knowledge and professionalisation support to the insurance and inspection industry. We welcome engineers from large insurance firms, small independent inspection companies, those with specialised consultancy skills, and everyone in-between.
The BES Professional Sector Council (PSC) provides a forum for the industry to meet and take forward important issues. It includes representation from other important industry bodies such as SAFed and INITA, and works to ensure safe working across inspection.
Some of the issues the PSC is currently working on are:
- Making representations to ensure the IEng standard remains an attainable benchmark for Engineer Surveyors
- Providing SOE's input to relevant BSI standards
- Supporting a new Trailblazer Apprenticeship in Engineer Surveying
What makes an Engineer Surveyor?
The Engineer Surveyor role is ‘hands-on’ job, requiring practical experience, technical ability, strong customer communication skills and the confidence to make professional judgements. They are responsible for insurance and safety inspections across a range of machinery and equipment, including:
- Lift Equipment
- Crane Equipment
- Pressure Equipment
- Power Press/Hazardous Machinery
- Electrical equipment/Installations
- Local Exhaust Ventilation
Engineer surveyors may be called in before a piece of equipment is signed off for usage, during maintenance or refurbishment, or to investigate equipment failure. Members who join SOE can affiliate themselves to the BES sector, and benefit from tailored events, as well as the latest information in Operations Engineer magazine, delivered to them monthly.
Ministerial appreciation for 20 years of invaluable Chartered Environmentalists
Marking 20 years of the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration, Mary Creagh CBE MP expresses her gratitude for the invaluable contributions of Chartered Environmentalists.
If not now, when? Marking 20 years of Chartered Environmentalists
On 20th September 2004, the first cohort of 65 CEnv professionals received their accreditation, forming the foundation of a community that now numbers nearly 8,000 and continues to lead the push for sustainability.
National Mission Required for Clean Power by 2030, Says NEPC Report
The National Engineering Policy Centre released a call to the government for a radical governmental approach to decarbonise the GB electricity system and provide clean power by 2030.
BES Events
Fraud Prevention Update: Combatting Vehicle, Plant & Machinery Theft with Paul Sperring
Time: 7.15 for 8.00pm (initially meet in hotel main bar) We’re excited to welcome back Mr. Paul Sperring, Senior UK Fraud Investigation Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, for an update on the latest initiatives to combat theft of vehicles, plant, and machinery. His presentation will cover new strategies and developments in fraud prevention.Annual Update Lecture 2025 - SOE South Wales Regional Group
The Annual Update Lecture 2025 is a two-part session, featuring a feedback report from the Midlands Compliance Forum on issues affecting Heavy Goods Vehicles in Wales and England, followed by an update from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) on their 2025 initiatives. This CPD Activity event is open to all members and non-members, SOE Professional Sector Members IRTE, IPlantE, BES. including IMI South Wales MA members.IRTE Ireland North Centre Student Awards 2025
Join us for the IRTE Ireland North Student Awards in Portadown, celebrating top Heavy Vehicle Maintenance students. The evening will include an industry lecture by Chris Slowey from Manfreight Limited and great networking opportunities.
Are you a UK IPlantE or BES member who may need financial help? Click here to find out more.