Governance, Strategy & Inclusion
At the Society of Operations (SOE) our structures, leadership, strategic objectives ensure we operate transparently, responsibly and in the best interests of members and the wider community.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and fostering a professional community where all members can contribute, progress and thrive.
Governance
Strong governance underpins everything we do. We are both a limited company and registered charity with clear rules, procedures, and structure. SOE’s governance is founded on our three charitable aims:
(A) To improve and elevate the technical and general understanding, knowledge, skill and competence of persons engaged or desiring to be engaged in Operations Engineering or in any related employment, and the integrity and refute of the profession.
(B) To promote and encourage the advancement of science, technology and practice, and inventions and improvements, in the field of Operations Engineering and any other related branches of engineering, and the dissemination and exchange of ideas, information and knowledge.
(C) By means of (A) and (B) above, but without prejudice to the generality thereof, to promote the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of Operations Engineering to the benefit of the community at large.
- Articles of Association, Rules of the Society of Operations Engineers and Governance Manual
Under the Companies Act, the Society is governed by its Articles of Association, which provide the framework of what it can and can’t do. This covers items such as entry criteria for membership, remit of our boards and committees, and also the Society’s overall aims and objectives. The Articles are reviewed from time-to-time to ensure we stay relevant, however changes can only be approved by SOE’s membership at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
The articles also stipulate that SOE must hold an Annual General Meeting, to which all members are invited. The AGM is needed in order to accept the previous year’s accounts, so the President gives an update to the membership on the Society’s activities, and for the results of any annual election for Trustee Board and Professional Sector councils to be announced. We also communicate the results at the AGM to the whole membership, in order that we stay transparent and accountable.
You can download the Articles of Association
📎 Download Project_Report.zip
.The Rules of the Society of Operations Engineers (the “Society”) are to be considered supplementary to the Society’s Articles. These Rules are mandatory for all Members of the Society. No Rule shall contradict, alter, or override any provision in the Articles. In the event of any conflict between the Rules and the Articles, the Articles shall always take precedence.
You can download the Rules of the Society here.
The Governance Manual of the Society of Operations Engineers deals with the Society’s Governance and the structure of the organisation. This manual has been produced as a guide to members of the Trustee Board (“the Board”), Professional Sector (“PS”) Councils, committees and working groups, honorary officers of centres, regional groups, Head Office staff and members. It should be read in conjunction with the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) Articles of Association, which take precedence in all respects.
- Annual elections, Trustee Board and sector councils
Annual elections
SOE’s Trustee Board and its Professional Sector Councils are elected by all members who hold Member or Fellow class with the Society. Members of our boards stand for three year terms, and we encourage all those who wish to have a greater say in shaping Operations Engineers as a discipline to stand, in order that we have a constant input of fresh ideas and knowledge. SOE uses UK Engage to ensure an impartial and fairly conducted vote, and we release the results at our AGM, which usually takes place in July.
If there are not enough applicants to fill the number of vacancies on a board of councils, then the applicants are automatically approved as a member.
Trustee Board
SOE is strategically overseen by the Trustee Board. This is a representative body, elected by the membership, which sets strategy, approves initiatives, and ensures that the Society remains in healthy governance and finance. Executive Director and Head of Finance report to the board on a regular basis, to advise and guide on operations matters.
Professional Sector councils
The Professional Sector councils (PSCs) form part of the governance structure. They are also elected by the membership in the same way as the Trustee Board. The councils are the technical expert groups which help our five professional sectors (BES, IPlantE, IRTE, Operations and Environmental) to serve their respective members with focus. A PSC will generally take responsibility for technical output as directed by the Board, including oversight of Operations Engineer and Transport Engineer, SOE’s industry leading knowledge publications. They report to the Trustee Board on how each PSC is progressing the Society’s work.
- Patron & President
Patron
SOE is aided in its mission by our Patron, who is invited by the Trustee Board to take up the position, and is selected on their abilities, knowledge and influence. The Patron also acts as an advisor and ‘critical friend’ to the Society, ensuring that major initiatives are reviewed by someone who is both external and understands the business landscape we operate in.
President
SOE’s President is chosen from the Trustee Board members. The President is the Chair of the Trustee Board and works with the Executive Director to deliver the objectives of the Society. The President may be elected for a term of up to two years.
- Chief Executive
The day to day operation of SOE is overseen by the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive sets operations and strategic plans in motion and writes the annual business plan for approval by the board and is responsible for updating the board on our operations as well as acting as day to day liaison between SOE, the Professional Sector Councils and our volunteers.
Strategic Objectives
The SOE’s primary objective is to deliver public benefit through a range of activities, while developing our role as a thought leader on ethical and sustainable Operations Engineering. The following six objectives have been identified as framework for our operational strategy, fully aligned to the Society’s Memorandum of Association and supported by the work of our Trustee Board, staff, and Professional Sector Councils.
- 1. Deliver public benefit
Delivering public benefit, both in the UK and internationally, through:
- Publicising and increasing the benefit of professional sector and SOE membership to potential and existing members
- Publicising the benefit for all in having greater numbers of operations engineers with membership and professional registration
- Developing the role of the SOE as a thought-leader for ethical and sustainable operations engineering
- Increasing the provision of evidence-based advice on operations engineering, to governments and wider stakeholders
- 2. Membership diversity
Implementing targeted initiatives for increased stakeholder engagement to drive national and international membership growth that is both diverse and inclusive.
- 3. Supporting the development of Operations Engineering skills
Implementing better support for developing operations engineering skills with a particular focus on existing and potential apprentice and student members along with those members seeking professional registration.
- 4. Investing in volunteers
Engaging and developing volunteers through well thought out interactions and the friction-free delivery of support and resources, with a particular focus on the activities of regional groups and centres.
- 5. Professional Sector development
Putting the professional sectors’ brands at the heart of the Society and developing their roles in achieving a combined strength for the benefit of all members and the wider public.
- 6. Growth in membership
Achieving sustainable growth in membership in the UK and internationally through the combined impact of delivering public benefit, increasing diversity and inclusion, supporting skills development, investing in volunteers, and strengthening our professional sectors.
SOE is aided in its mission by our Patron, who is invited by the Trustee Board to take up the position, and is selected on their abilities, knowledge and influence. The Patron also acts as an advisor and ‘critical friend’ to the Society, ensuring that major initiatives are reviewed by someone who is both external and understands the business landscape we operate in.
SOE’s President is chosen from the Trustee Board members. The President is the Chair of the Trustee Board and works with the Executive Director to deliver the objectives of the Society. The President may be elected for a term of up to two years.
The day to day operation of SOE is overseen by the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive sets operations and strategic plans in motion and writes the annual business plan for approval by the board and is responsible for updating the board on our operations as well as acting as day to day liaison between SOE, the Professional Sector Councils and our volunteers.
Diversity and Inclusion
At the SOE we believe that everyone, regardless of their beliefs or background, should be treated equally and made to feel welcome within our organisation and the professions we support.
We are focused on strengthening diversity and inclusion across the SOE and the industries we serve, helping to broaden participation and opportunity.
We are committed to implementing the Royal Academy of Engineering Diversity and Inclusion Progression Framework and to promoting these values.
To work towards achieving this we will highlight and acknowledge best practice among organisations which actively promote engineering diversity.
We invite you to contact us to:
- Share your success stories to inspire others
- Help us to understand the challenges you face
- Get involved and be an advocate for change
Hear from our team
What lies at the heart of SOE is not just a commitment to standards or best practices—although those are essential—but a dedication to empowering the people behind these roles. It’s the engineers and technicians responsible for maintenance, operations, and safety who bring expertise, passion, and purpose to their work every single day.
Get Involved with SOE
Whether as a member or a corporate partner, there’s a place for you to connect, grow, and make an impact.