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Stephen, who recently took office as President of the IHE, is an associate at WSP and commission manager for the Somerset County Council Professional Services Contract, where he is responsible for day-to-day management of delivering highway and transportation services to the council and partners.

What inspired you to become an engineer?
My talents at school were focused around art and technical. I therefore began as a draughtsman in the field of wastewater engineering, before the days of AutoCAD, where parallel motions and maintaining pens were the challenges of the day. Later in my career, an opportunity arose to work in the highways sector on local safety scheme delivery within my home county of Somerset. It  as here I felt I was making a difference in delivering improvement schemes which directly benefited the community.

Can you describe a typical working day?
Working within this ‘new normal’, my day is often spent with headset in place and various calls and meetings ongoing. This can sometimes be a challenge when my toddler is keen to join! I lead WSP’s Taunton team and head delivery on a number of highway improvement schemes within Somerset. My IHE presidency brings new challenges and I aim to lead the Institute through these testing times.

Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your role?
My role as IHE President and as commission manager will present unforeseen challenges which will require immediate and effective action. The pandemic requires an ability for us all to adapt,  ensuring we continue to succeed in ensuring our industry and communities remain strong and resilient through these exceptional times.

Tell us about a professional achievement
My appointment as President of the Institute is one of my significant achievements within my career and I consider this a great honour. The support and good wishes I’ve received since my presidency was announced has been fantastic and I’m looking forward to leading the IHE for the next two years.

When did you join the IHE?
I joined the IHE in 2007 while also member of the ICE. From this point on I knew that the IHE was my institution of choice.

What contributed to your decision to become professionally registered?
I have been fortunate to work for a number of professional organisations who have proactively promoted registration. This, coupled with outstanding mentors throughout my development,  encouraged me to become professionally recognised.

Is there any advice you would pass on to someone considering professional registration?
The first steps are invariably the hardest to take but once you begin to produce your submission, momentum is a great helper. Professional registration provides many opportunities and I would highly recommend becoming a committee member of your local branch or serving on the National Council.