Why You Should Volunteer: Hear from the Members Who Shape the SOE

At the SOE, our volunteers are essential to driving our mission forward. Our volunteers' network is distributed across a range of roles – from running our professional sector councils (PSCs) and conducting nationwide CPD events to championing SOE’s mission across schools, employers and the wider society to providing strategic direction by being members of the board.  

We are gearing up for our 2024 elections, a cardinal process that allows you to shape the strategic direction and professional guidance the Society offers across diverse engineering sectors. These elections will fill key positions on the Trustee Board and the Professional Sector Councils, which are fundamental for the SOE’s mission to uphold standards, promote industry expertise, and support its members' professional growth. The outcome of these elections significantly influences the Society’s operations and priorities, helping it stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry landscape. 

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Trustee Board roles 

The Trustee Board has two open positions for members with senior leadership experience, a strong understanding of governance, and knowledge of the charitable sector. This board oversees the SOE’s operations, ensuring the Society remains aligned with its mission and charitable objectives. Trustees are responsible for financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and developing strategic initiatives. Candidates with a commercial background or familiarity with governance are especially encouraged to apply. Elected Trustee Board members will be registered as Directors of the Society, which provides both leadership experience and a platform to influence SOE’s long-term vision. Additionally, there are two honorary Trustee Board roles open, which will be ratified by the Governance and Nominations Committee, who will recommend suitable candidates to the board 

Professional Sector Council roles

The councils are seeking new representatives for the following sectors: 

• IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers): Three vacancies are available for individuals with experience in transport fields, including waste management, bus and coach services, and vehicle bodywork. 
• IPlantE and BES (Institution of Plant Engineers and Bureau of Engineer Surveyors): Three positions are open for professionals with backgrounds in plant engineering or engineering surveying, areas crucial for infrastructure and industrial safety. 
• Environmental and Operations: This council has three openings for members with experience in environmental and operational sectors, reflecting the SOE’s commitment to sustainable and safe operational practices. 

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Current volunteers share their experiences 

To highlight the transformative impact of volunteering with SOE we have asked our current PSC chairs to share why they volunteer.  

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Be Part of the Future of SOE 

As SOE continues to address the evolving challenges in engineering, we invite you to bring your expertise, vision, and enthusiasm to the team. Experience in senior leadership, a dedication to diversity, and an alignment with SOE’s core principles are qualities we value on our Board and Council roles. Whether you’re a rising engineer or a seasoned expert, there is a place for you at SOE. By volunteering, you will have the chance to shape the Society’s direction and contribute to a stronger, more resilient engineering community. 

Key dates for the election process are as follows: 

• Nomination Submission: All nomination forms, personal statements, and photos must be submitted by 11 November 2024. 
• Voting Materials Distributed: Members will receive voting instructions and candidate information starting 18 November 2024. 
• Ballots Deadline: Ballots must be returned to the independent election service provider by 2 December 2024. 

Members interested in standing for election or learning more can visit the SOE Elections page for details on the nomination process, role requirements, and candidate forms. 

https://www.soe.org.uk/member-homepage/elections-2024.html