Institution of Engineering Designers Annual Report & accounts for the financial year 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting held at 12.10 on Saturday 18 July 2009 at coalbrookdale museum site, Ironbridge, Shropshire.
Present: A Barnett, J Blay, GN Blount, D Castle, H Collier, CMC Dowlen, KL Edwards, TMB Humphries-Smith, GJ Jeffery, D Ingram, ATA Keegan, KW Kempson, GE Kirk, PJA Lobb, C Ledsome, DJB Maffin, S McGuigan, JD Poole, K Rigby, JC Roberts, I Treacy, GAL Tizzard, S Vaitkevicius, RG Whitby, G Wilkin.Apologies were received from:
AJV Attwood, JG Allison, S Benfield, I Chapple, MK Chowdhree, LJ Copestake, V Gynde, J Higgins, KT Lau, M Lovell, N Phelps, N Shopland, JM Waterfall.
Chairman of Meeting: Professor GE Kirk, Honorary President.
The Annual General Meeting was convened by the Secretary at 12.10, there being present more than the number of corporate members needed to form a quorum. The Secretary invited the Honorary President, Professor GE Kirk, to take the Chair. Professor Kirk welcomed all members and guests present, in particular Honorary Fellows Stephen Payne and Dr Alex Moulton.
1. 1 The Chairman proposed that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 12.00 on Saturday 13 May 2008, as published in the May/June 2009 issue of Engineering Designer, be adopted. This was carried.
1.2 The Chairman proposed that the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on Saturday 13 May 2008 immediately following the AGM, as published in the May/June 2009 issue of Engineering Designer, be adopted. This was carried.
2 The Chairman proposed that the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet for the year ending 31 December 2008 be accepted. Prior to being put to a vote, Professor Kevin Edwards, Honorary Treasurer, gave a report of the Institution's financial situation during 2008.
Professor Edwards reported that 2008 saw the positive outcome of previous investment projects for stimulating growth. As a result, overall income for the year was [pounds sterling]37k more than in 2007. This increased income has come from a variety of sources including membership subs, company membership, the E&PDE conference and course accreditations. Income from the journal has decreased significantly, probably due to the current economic climate. As a consequence of additional activities, the overall cost of activities have increased, but administration costs have reduced. Overall there is a deficit of [pounds sterling]3k for the year, reduced significantly from the [pounds sterling]32k deficit for 2007.
Overall income from membership subs has increased, but membership numbers continue to decline. In view of this, the main aims for Council for 2009 are to promote individual membership and develop support services to attract and retain members. As a consequence of these efforts, the finances for the first quarter of 2009 are already showing a healthy surplus.
Professor Edwards went on to explain that the Institution has also started to claim Gift Aid on subscriptions and Council is looking at ways in which this money can be used for promotion and improved services. Professor Edwards concluded by stating that the IED's reserves remain stable and the financial status of the Institution is sound, and thanked the Secretary and staff for their control of the finances over the year.
Professor GE Kirk opened the floor to questions. There being no questions, the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet for 2008 were approved accordingly.
3. The Chairman then referred those present to the Annual Report and asked the representatives of the Membership and Education and Training Committees to give verbal reports.
Mr Simon Vaitkevicius gave a report on behalf of the Membership Committee, starting with a brief introduction of who the committee are and what they do. Mr Vaitkevicius went on to report on the work of the Committee during 2008, stating that the Committee reviewed 105 applications during the year of which five became Associate Members, four became Competent Draughting Associates and 36 became full Members. Of these, only three had been Student or Graduate members. During the year, the Committee have also reviewed paperwork including the application form, reference forms and promotional/ explanatory leaflets.
Looking ahead to 2009, Mr Vaitkevicius explained that the membership applications are already on track to exceed those received in 2008. The Committee are welcoming new members and continuing to review the process of assessment of applications. In addition, help is needed from members in the form of promoting the IED within companies and encouraging potential candidates to apply for membership.
Mr Vaitkevicius concluded by thanking Sue Sloan for her support of the Committee and by noting that the Committee will miss Tony Bowden, a long standing member who passed away recently.
Professor Kirk thanked Mr Vaitkevicius for this report and invited questions from those present. Mr Barnett asked what happens to the non-successful applicants and why, on the whole, would they not be successful. It was explained that applicants sometimes submit insufficient information for the committee to come to a decision, or the applicant has not yet reached the point of a full application but is looking for advice. All failed applicants are given advice on the work needed and the majority re-apply in the future.
Mr Blay asked how the committee deal with applicants who hold non-UK qualifications. It was explained that the academic side of applications are dealt with by the ETC who have tools they can use to check the quality and level of overseas qualifications and to verify their UK equivalence.
Dr Andrew Tizzard then gave a report on behalf of the Education and Training Committee, of which he has been Chairman since April. Dr Tizzard explained that the Committee met six times throughout 2008 carrying out its main business of course accreditation, individual case procedures for membership, organising the E&PDE conference and student prize assessment.
There were also nine accreditation visits in 2008. Many of these were accredited by the IED for membership and professional registration, while for others, the IED sent representatives to form part of an Engineering Accreditation Board panel involving other institutions. Of particular note is the fact that the IED are the first engineering institution to accredit the Open University programmes, the BEng and MEng in engineering. This now means that graduates from these programmes will no longer need to be considered individually at ETC. The experience gained from this process has enabled the institution to contribute to a recent ECuk working party on accreditation of distance learning courses, the results of which will be published as guidelines later in the year.
During 2008 the ETC assessed the individual qualifications of applicants, eight cases for Technical Report Option, 15 cases for CEng registration, 14 cases for IEng and three cases for EngTech. The number of membership only assessments was seven. The Committee also assessed nominations for awards from accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses. In 2008, ETC gave 12 IED prizes from the nominations.
The 2008 conference on Engineering and Product Design Education was held in Barcelona in September and was entitled 'New Perspectives in Design Education'. It was a very successful event with 143 delegates and made a healthy surplus. The conference in 2009 will be held at Brighton University and is themed 'Creating a Better World'. Plans for this event are well in progress.
In addition, the Committee formulated criteria for accrediting product design degrees for membership, and members also contributed to an ECuk working group on foundation degrees and actively contributed to the Engineering Accreditation Board.
Two new members have recently been welcomed to the Committee and all are saddened by the recent loss of Tony Bowden who gave many years service to ETC.
Dr Tizzard concluded by thanking all the members of the Committee for their hard work and, in particular, Anna Clarke for her excellent contribution and organisation.
The Chairman thanked Dr Tizzard for his report and asked those members present for questions. There being no questions, the Chairman asked for both reports to be adopted, this was approved.
4 The Chairman of the meeting proposed that Haines Watts, Chartered Accountants, be appointed to conduct the audit of the Institution's accounts for the financial year 2009. This was approved.
5.1 The Secretary announced that Professor GE Kirk is continuing as Honorary President of the Institution until July 2010.
5.2 The Secretary announced that Professor GN Blount is stepping down as Chair of Council and that Mr A T A Keegan has been appointed to the position until July 2011. Professor Blount then presented Mr Keegan with his badge of office and received his Past Chairman's badge in return.
Professor Blount then said a few words about his time in office as Chairman, covering the topics of membership, international development, external relations and operations. The following points were made:
Membership: The IED continues to look for opportunities to promote the benefits of membership and registration. The rate of decline in membership numbers seems to have slowed down, indeed in one month during 2008 there was a small increase in membership numbers.
The introduction of the online renewals system, not only makes membership renewal easier, but has also improved cash-flow, reduced costs and staff time. The application to become a constituent body of the Society for the Environment has been submitted and well received. If successful, appropriately qualified members will be able to apply to become a Chartered Environmentalist.
The electronic newsletter is now a frequent and well received service and the website continues to be developed and Council have received many useful suggestions for its improvement. The Engineering Designer journal continues to be the principal medium of communication with members and the online version has just been launched. This is a new resource for members and increases the IED's profile in the community.
The annual Engineering and Product Design Education Conference (E&PDE) continues to be successful and provides a meaningful opportunity for networking and exchange of views in this area. This is a good example of a Learned Society activity, which is one of the IED's defined roles.
IED Honorary Fellows are highly valued. There have been a series of lunches for Honorary Fellows which have been stimulating and useful forums, helping to develop strategy for the Institution.
International development: There are active branches in Malta, Malaysia and Hong Kong. The IED is pleased to have such international representation and looks for ways to support members outside the UK. Early in 2008, a small party visited Bangalore in the Kanataka province of India. Contacts were made with a number of prospective new company members, however, no formal agreements have yet been secured. Whilst this slowness is disappointing, a new strategy is in place to attempt to make progress.
External relations: The initial application for a Royal Charter has been submitted. This is another process requiring patience and the process is a long one. The Institution is arranging to meet with other bodies in the design community to explore ways of working together for the benefit of design. The IED also continues to enjoy good relationships with the Engineering Council, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Design Council.
Universities continue to ask the Institution to accredit courses, and as a result the IED has accredited 142 courses at 33 centres. This is very important as it makes the new generation of designers aware of the Institution.
There are three full company members, with expressions of interest from others. In addition, Council has established a less formal title 'Associated Company' for other companies that will enable regular meetings with existing and potential individual members in those companies.
As reported last year, discussions are under way with BSI to establish procedures to approve training in appropriate areas, accredit trainers and certificate courses. A similar scheme is being explored with a major supplier of CAD software. Some progress has been made with both of these projects.
Operations and management: Council and Executive Board have been diligent in preparing and maintaining a Strategic Plan, a major review of this was undertaken at the second Council Away Day, held in April.
The Institution is now registered with HMRC for recovery of Gift Aid. Initial claims have been submitted and this should provide a major boost of income. The plan to use the extra income from Gift Aid principally for promotional purposes and a new group has been created with this remit.
A new database and accounts system is being implemented at Courtleigh which is more efficient and will save considerable staff time, and Council have engaged advisers for Human Resources and Health & Safety to give a greater expertise in complying with employment and health and safety legislation.
Professor Blount concluded by stating that the staff at Courtleigh, led by Libby Brodhurst, are professional, hard working and cheerful. This is so important because they are the aspect of the Institution that the membership and the public see.
Professor Blount also thanked fellow Councillors and other volunteer members who give freely of their time without which the IED simply would not survive.
He stated that it has been a pleasure to work with the staff at Courtleigh, the editor of the journal, the President and fellow Councillors, and wished the new Chairman Tony Keegan every success.
5.3 The Secretary announced that Mr MAC Evatt has been re-elected to the position of Vice Chairman of Council and that Mr C Ledsome and Mr C M C Dowlen have been elected to the position of Vice Chairmen of Council.
6 The Secretary announced the elections to Council to serve for the period from May 2009 to May 2010.
Mr Keegan gave an address regarding his plans for the future, beginning by thanking Professor Blount for his hard work over the last two years during his leadership of the Institution.
Mr Keegan explained to those present his extensive experience of working within the Institution on a number of Committees and Boards and as Treasurer for some years. He also gave some background about his career in engineering which spans the last 32 years.
Mr Keegan explained that his focus as Chairman over the next few years will be to champion the engineering designer, and in particular to promote the role of engineering designers to the world at large. He continued by stating that the word 'designer' has been hijacked by many, including celebrity singers claiming to be fashion designers. In addition, people working as drain cleaners for Dynarod claim to be engineers. Yet, some simple investigation reveals many famous genuine engineers, such as Thomas Telford, George Stephenson, James Watt, Isambard Kingdom Brunei and so on, all of whom have an ongoing impact on people's modern lives.
Mr Keegan stated that the Institution should reiterate the importance of engineering designers to the general public, and the role engineering has in helping society to eat, play, communicate, travel and so on. Mr Keegan concluded by stating that he was looking forward to his role as Chairman and to working with other members of the Institution.
Professor Kirk thanked Mr Keegan for his words and gave a short address of his own.
Professor Kirk commented that the Institution is in good hands and fine fettle and that the engineering community should look at the current financial situation as an opportunity to show society how engineering can help to improve public services at reduced costs.
Professor Kirk went on to thank the office staff for all their work for the Institution, and Council and individual members for their support and efforts. Professor Kirk particularly thanked Professor Blount as an enthusiastic and hardworking Chairman, stating that he would be a hard act to follow and that Mr Keegan will no doubt be able to step up to the mark.
Professor Kirk thanked all the members for their attendance and support. The Secretary closed the meeting at 12.55.
EGM
1.1 Professor Kirk explained the reasoning behind the proposed subscriptions increase for 2010, including covering the costs of increased activities, overheads and new projects for the Institution.
1.2 Professor Kirk proposed that the new rates be approved, and asked for a show of hands. Carried.
1.3 Professor Kirk proposed that the following changes to the Bye-Laws be approved:
2.2 MEMBERSHIP--MIED
A candidate for Membership shall be a person who:
(a) is typically at least 26 years of age, in the case of applicants seeking Chartered Engineer status, and 24 years of age in the case of applicants seeking Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician status, and either
2.3 FELLOWSHIP--FIED
An application for Fellow must be assessed and approved by at least three Fellows of the Institution.
A candidate for Fellowship shall normally be a Member of some years standing who:
(a) typically at least 30 years of age, and
2.4 ASSOCIATESHIP--AIED
A candidate for Associateship shall be a person who:
(a) is typically at least 22 years of age, and either
2.5 COMPETENT DRAUGHTING ASSOCIATE--CDAIED
This grade is only open to applicants seeking entry to the Product Design and Technology division.
A candidate for Competent Draughting Associate shall be a person who:
(a) is typically at least 20 years of age, and
The Secretary explained that the changes to the bye-laws are proposed to allow some flexibility by the Membership Committee when assessing applications for membership.
1.4 Professor Kirk proposed that the changes be approved and asked for a show of hands. Carried.
1.5 Professor Kirk proposed that the Objects of the Institution be confirmed as to:
(A) advance education in Engineering and, more particularly, the species of knowledge and application which distinguishes Engineering Design, and the profession directly concerned with Engineering Design;
(B) constitute a body of members qualified to a generally recognised high standard.
1.6 Professor Kirk proposed the Objects be confirmed and asked for a show of hands. Carried.
Professor Kirk closed the EGM and opened the meeting to those in attendance for a general discussion of Institution matters.
1.7 There being no matters for discussion the meeting closed at 13.00.
* Note: These Minutes are the formal record of the meeting printed here for acceptance at the AGM on Saturday 17 July 2010.
Notice Of Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Institution will be held at 12.00 on Saturday 17 July 2010 at the National Space Centre, Leicester.
The Business of the meeting will be:
1. to approve the Minutes of the Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings held on 18 July 2009;
2. to adopt the Income and Expenditure Account and the Balance Sheet to 31 December 2009;
3. to adopt the Annual Report of the Council for 2009;
4. to appoint auditors;
5. to confirm and install the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen for 2010/11;
6. to announce the members of Council for 2010/11.
After the formal business, the meeting will be thrown open to general discussion of other institutional matters. Any member, voting or non-voting, has the right to attend the meeting but only voting members have voting rights.
Notice Of Extraordinary General Meeting
An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Institution will be held immediately following the above AGM.
The Business of the meeting will be to discuss and if thought fit, approve the following:
That the Annual Subscription Rates from 1 January 2011 shall be: Fellow [pounds sterling]140.00 * Member [pounds sterling]125.00 * Associate and Competent Draughting Associate (over 25) [pounds sterling]97.00 * (under 25) [pounds sterling]80.00 * Diplomate/Graduate (from graduation) [pounds sterling]47.00 * (six years from graduation) [pounds sterling]125.00 * Student FREE Retired Member [pounds sterling]37.00 * Note: Free membership for students is granted only to those undertaking a full-time course acceptable to the Institution. * All subscriptions subject to [pounds sterling]5 reduction if paying by direct debit.
Also that the Institution's Memorandum and Articles of Association be drafted into a Charter and By-Laws for submission to the Privy Council in application for a Royal Charter. Full details available at the 'Members Only' section of the IED website or on request by telephoning 01373 822801.
Presentation of Awards
Following the EGM the Institution's Annual Awards Presentation will be held as a separate event.
Council Nominations
Further to the Notice given in the March/ April 2010 journal, no nominations for election to Council have been received.
EK Brodhurst, Secretary
Summary Annual Report 2009
Dear Member
2009 has been a very busy year, with a wide variety of activities and events. The following is a short summary, if you would like a copy of the full annual report and accounts please email nadine@ied.org.uk or call 01373 822801 and we will be happy to send you a copy either electronically or on paper.
Last year saw a significant increase in volunteer time in support of the Institution's work, with a greater number of members coming forward to work as Regional Co-ordinators, providing a link between local members and the staff and Council. A number of members also enrolled as Industrial Liaison Officers (ILOs), working within their companies as official points of contact between the employer and the Institution. We are extremely grateful to all members who volunteer to help the Institution via these and other methods, as the work of the IED simply wouldn't get done without our extensive team of supporters.
As a result of their work and, of course, the work of the IED staff, membership applications for 2009 increased by 38% on the previous year, a figure which, if maintained, should filter through to significant increases in overall membership in the near future.
As the accompanying chart shows, membership income accounts for 89% of overall income for 2009, up 10% on the previous year. The main reason for this increase is the inclusion of Gift Aid refund monies. Thanks to all members who have signed a Gift Aid declaration, the Institution should be able to claim a significant sum of money on an ongoing basis.
Overall, for the year, income has increased by [pounds sterling]97k, compared to 2008, with expenditure increasing by nearly [pounds sterling]20k. This extra expenditure includes investment in projects for the future, including a careers video, improvements to the fabric of the HQ building and the development and installation of a new database and accounts package.
Other exciting developments during the year of more direct relevance to members include the introduction of a bespoke Professional Indemnity service, progression of the Royal Charter application and the Institution being formally accepted as a Constituent Body of the Society for the Environment. Early 2010 saw the Institution undergo an audit from the Society to determine whether or not a licence could be granted to enable the award of Chartered Environmentalist to suitably qualified members. Feedback has been positive, with the official decision expected by the middle of this year.
The Council and staff plan to build on these successes to improve opportunities and benefits to members and to attract a greater number of designers into membership. Keep an eye out for news on all developments in the journal, the IED website and our pages on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedln.
EK Brodhurst, Secretary and Chief Executive
Subscriptions 88% Generated Funds 8% Investment 1% Seminars and Grants 3% Note: Table made from pie chart.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Title Annotation: | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Engineering Designer |
| Article Type: | Conference news |
| Geographic Code: | 4EUUK |
| Date: | May 1, 2010 |
| Words: | 3841 |
| Previous Article: | Social robots: what, where, why and how? In the first part of his article, Robin Read BSC(Hons) GradIED explores the application and design of robots... |
| Next Article: | The paths and pitfalls ... Of new product development. Amy Green, of Innovate Product Design Ltd, gets to grips with licensing. |
| Topics: | |