News

By Katharine Kelly, IHE President

It has been another busy year of growth for the IHE, and my thanks go to all the members who have participated in our full calendar of events, conferences, training sessions and seminars. We appreciate all your contributions and hope you have found them beneficial.

This year saw the departure of two long-standing IHE staff members.

CEO Steve Spender is bowing out after leading the IHE since 2019, during which time it has undergone a dramatic expansion in fortune through increased membership, training courses and events.

He has transformed the Institute into a thriving and financially secure entity, and he leaves it with a firm foundation on which to build future successes. Steve’s involvement with the IHE spans three decades and includes his own term as President, between 2010 and 2012. To quote Highways editor Dominic Browne, Steve is ‘a legend who leaves behind a legacy he can be truly proud of’.

Deputy CEO Chris Dobson is also leaving us before the year is out. He joined the IHE back in 2016 as our membership officer, with his duties growing over time, first office manager and then deputy CEO. Chris has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen our relationships with both the Engineering Council and the other institutions working under the Joint Board of Moderators. The breadth and depth of his knowledge is first class, and he’s successfully steered the IHE through many an audit and review with his expertise and calm approach.

Our heartfelt thanks to Steve and Chris for all their contributions to the IHE, and best wishes for the future.

With the spectacular backdrop of Stirling Castle and 200 IHE guests to witness it, I took over from Martin Polland as IHE president in June and continue to be grateful for his mentoring and counsel. Martin’s commitment to the IHE runs deep, and his enthusiasm for bringing out the best in our members and serving our Institute’s needs is exceptional. I would like to thank Martin for his ongoing dedication to the IHE.

I would also like to welcome Rebecca Bollen as our new Junior Vice President and Lyle Andrew, our new CEO, who officially started work in the first week of December. I’m already enjoying working with them, Martin and Darren Capes (current Senior Vice President) as part of our presidential team.

For those who might be looking for ways to get involved with the IHE, please reach out to your local branch to see what’s happening there. We are always on the lookout for volunteers to help with stands at events and to assist with mentoring. For those of you with professional qualifications, we also need help with review and submission preparation. These tasks can all provide great networking opportunities and build connections with other members of the IHE.

Now for a well-earned break over the next couple of weeks. As I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I’m looking forward to seeing what 2025 has in store for the IHE.