News

Following a call for nominations for members who would like to seek election onto the IHE Board, members are invited to vote in the ballot which is being held to fill EIGHT vacancies. Those chosen will fill vacancies offering a term of office of either 2 years or 3 years with effect from the AGM being held on 3rd July 2026.

You are being asked to select up to 8 candidates from the 14 nominees that have put their names forward.

Online votes must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 24th June 2026.

Please note: this is an online ballot only. All eligible members will receive an email with the link to vote.

The following 14 candidates are seeking election:

Andrew Brown IEng FIHE
I am an Incorporated Engineer and a Fellow of the IHE having been a member since the mid 1990’s. I am passionate about the IHE driving the industry forward and helping the technicians and engineers of the future. I was honoured to be the South Western Branch Chairman from June 2020 to June 2022, taking the branch through the turbulent covid years. I was elected on to the National Council in June 2022 and wish to continue being part of the new IHE Board in the future to take forward the amazing work that the Institute carries out. If elected I will continue to champion the IHE area branches, the amazing work that Local Authority Highways Teams, Engineers and Technicians carry out on a day-to-day basis and continue to highlight Mental Health in the Highways Industry.

In my day job I am currently the Interim Network Manager at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) having previously been at Dorset Council and Bournemouth Borough Council for a number of years in various highways and traffic roles with a specialism in Network and Traffic Management.

Paula Claytonsmith MIHE
I am seeking to continue my service on the Institute of Highway Engineers Board, bringing an independent perspective shaped by recognised policy leadership, applied research, and sector engagement.

As Founder of Policy Intelligence Infrastructure and former Chief Executive of the Local Council Roads Innovation Group, I bridge research, policy, and practice. My work with the Future Highways Research Group at Cranfield University examines agentic AI in UK highways, including governance, safety, workforce transition, and public trust. I have presented to Cambridge University Engineering, and this research will contribute to policy discussion with the Department for Transport.

My applied research focuses on highways, financial transparency, alignment with the updated Well-managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice, and the implications of AI adoption in local authority maintenance and engineering. This combines literature review, analysis of published authority data, and assessment of public-sector performance frameworks.

I have previously provided expert evidence to Parliament’s Transport Select Committee, contributed to national policy debate through broadcast and print media, and spoken at national and international conferences.

I am committed to helping ensure the IHE Board remains informed, forward-looking, and equipped to respond to rapid change in government policy, emerging technology, and independent innovation analysis for its members.

Andy Cole CEng FIHE
I am a Chartered Engineer and was elected to Council in 2024, demonstrating my commitment to the Institute of Highway Engineers and the wider profession. As Chair of the IHE Highway Inspectors Board, I have led initiatives that strengthen professional practice and support our members in delivering safe, reliable highway services.

I am actively involved in national policy development, ensuring that the IHE’s voice contributes to shaping the future of highway engineering and infrastructure management. My work across the Academic Standards Panel and Membership and Qualifications portfolio enables me to influence standards, support professional development, and uphold the integrity of our qualifications.

As both a mentor and reviewer for CEng applicants, I am dedicated to supporting individuals through their professional journey. I have also contributed to improving processes that make professional registration more accessible and efficient.

In my role as IHE liaison officer to the Engineering Council, I help maintain strong alignment with national standards and expectations. My long-standing membership and experience as past Chair of the South Western Branch further underpin my dedication, local engagement, and leadership within the Institution.

I would be honoured to continue serving on the Board. Thank you.

David Denner FIHE
I am standing for the IHE Board because engineering matters. I bring over 30 years of experience in highways, having worked across local authorities, consultancy, contracting, and now within the Welsh Government as the Highways Technology Manager. This breadth of experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our sector today.

As Chairman of the UK Road Lighting and Technology Board, I am committed to advancing innovation while ensuring best practice is shared across the industry. I strongly believe that the Institute of Highway Engineers plays a vital role in representing our profession and must continue to be supported by voices from all sectors.

A key priority for me is to support and mentor the next generation of engineering professionals. We must actively encourage and enable young members to achieve professional qualifications more quickly, ensuring a strong and capable future workforce.

I am passionate about passing on my knowledge and experience to help others grow and succeed. With your support, I will work to strengthen our professional community and champion its future. I look forward to being able to contribute to ensure the long term success of the Institute.

Gafoor Din IEng HonFIHE
I am an Incorporated Engineer and proud Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), with over 30 years’ experience in Traffic Control and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). I bring a strong track record in the design, delivery and management of traffic signal systems, alongside wider traffic management strategies.

I have actively supported the IHE at both local and national levels, serving as a Director, Chair of the Professional Development Group and Scrutineer to the Executive Board. I played a key role in establishing the Institute’s first Professional Certificate and Diploma in Traffic Signal Control, contributed to the ITS course, facilitated publication of the IHE Guidance Note on Traffic Signal Control and am currently supporting development of the Highway Design course.

I remain committed to developing our profession through ongoing involvement in the annual Traffic Signal Control course and by supporting future practitioners. I have built strong partnerships across local authorities, national organisations and industry, consistently promoting best practice to deliver safer, more efficient networks. As a Board member, I will provide experienced, collaborative leadership to support members, strengthen professional standards and help shape the future direction of the IHE.

Kat Draper CEng FIHE
I am a Senior Associate Civil Engineer with a strong track record in the design and delivery of highway infrastructure projects. I bring experience across multidisciplinary teams, with a focus on developing practical, efficient and sustainable transport solutions. I am passionate about improving the profession through collaboration, knowledge sharing and supporting the next generation of engineers.

I have served on the IHE Council for the past two years and been a member for many more. I actively support the Institute through involvement in events, portfolio groups and professional reviews. This experience has given me valuable insight into the Institute’s work and the opportunity to contribute to member engagement and development initiatives.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to promoting inclusive practices within engineering, drawing on my own experiences and actively contributing to initiatives that encourage diversity and broaden participation across the sector. I have engaged with industry forums and events, helping to champion positive change within the highways community.

I am keen to continue contributing to the IHE by strengthening engagement with members, supporting early career professionals and ensuring the Institution evolves in line with industry needs. I bring energy, thoughtful perspective and a collaborative approach to the Board.

Jobert Fermilan IEng FIHE
I am Jobert Fermilan, IEng FIHE MCIOB CMgr FCMI, Founder and Managing Director of Morgan Consult & Advisory, working across highways, infrastructure, construction, defence, and renewables. I came up the traditional way, through an apprenticeship and EngTech and IEng registration with the IHE, and I am a current Council member.

I have seen what strong governance, clean procurement and disciplined delivery do for an organisation, and where weak systems hold it back. The move to a new Board is the right moment to sharpen how we set strategy and turn it into delivery.

What I bring that is different is practical experience applying artificial intelligence in our sector. I’ve been using AI for sometime in the past three-years, and I use AI to productise hard-won engineering expertise turning guidance, assurance and delivery know-how into tools that work faster and scale further. I understand its promise and its limits, where it speeds up projects, reviews and knowledge-sharing, and where human judgement must stay in charge.

If elected, I want to help the IHE use AI sensibly getting guidance and CPD to members faster, modernising how we work, and preparing highway engineers for a profession AI will reshape while keeping our standards and ethics in human hands.

I have chaired the North Western and Northern Branches, served as Portfolio Chair for Recruitment & Marketing, re-established and Chair the Branch Liaison Group, and championed equality, diversity and inclusion. I follow through, and I would value your support.

Mark Heaton IEng FIHE
I have been involved with the IHE since 1995 and gained my Professional Registration in 1997. Since this time I have been actively involved with the institute on various issues and given webinars, spoken at training courses and was part of the group that originally approved MfS. 

I have over 36 years highways engineering experience in a wide variety of roles from Development, Design and Maintenance. With this experience and my good working relationship and connections within the industry, I can help develop the IHE to bring the best for its members.

I have been undertaking research with BGS over the past 7 years on climate change and how it affects the highway. I am personally keen on training, development and innovation, and actively encourage new people into the industry and the benefits of what the IHE can bring to them and the highways industry.

James Hornsby IEng FIHE
I have really enjoyed my time on the IHE Council over the last 4 years and would like to continue in having an active role in representing the membership at Board level. I believe that having someone on the Board with my experience of joining the industry through an apprenticeship route has helped to encourage more early career members to become involved with the IHE, develop and get professionally registered.

I would also like to continue with my role as Branch Liaison Group Chair, where we look to continue our offerings to all our members by providing CPD accredited events, opportunities for mentorship, a chance to network with others and more. I believe the local branches are one of the key methods to engaging with our membership and want to encourage and develop this engagement as much as possible so that we can all benefit across the highways industry.

Gary Mallin IEng FIHE
I am Contract Manager at Ringway Jacobs, leading the Cheshire East Highways service, with responsibility for asset management, capital investment, network management, risk, and continuous improvement across an integrated service.

With over 30 years’ experience across both local authority and private sector organisations, I bring a strong track record in delivering high-performing, cost-effective highway services. I have led major initiatives including securing a 15-year contract extension for Cheshire East Highways and achieving ISO 55001 certification in Asset Management, demonstrating a commitment to long-term service excellence and best practice.

As a current Council Member, I play an active role in supporting the profession. As a Scrutineer, I am part of the Executive Board, ensuring that decisions are robust, transparent, and in the best interests of the IHE membership. I have also contributed through the Professional Development and Recruitment & Marketing Portfolio Groups, and the Memorandum and Articles working group, helping to modernise governance arrangements.

If re-elected, I will continue to provide strong, independent challenge and leadership, ensuring the IHE delivers real value for its members, working together to shape a progressive, innovative Institution that leads the profession into the future.

Shervin Motamedi CEng FIHE
I am pleased to stand for election as a Board Member of the Institute of Highway Engineers. I am a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute, with almost two decades of experience spanning professional practice, training, and education in transport geotechnics, ground investigation, ground improvement, and infrastructure delivery. I currently serve as a Council Member of the Institute and Vice-Chair of the Academic Standards Panel.

I continue to contribute to the profession through engineering education, professional development, and accreditation. I am a member of the Joint Board of Moderators, and as a member of the Academic Standard Panel, I support candidates seeking Engineering Council registration through the Institute.

If elected, I will champion professional standards, industry engagement, and skills development, with a particular focus on supporting sustainable and resilient civil and highway infrastructure.

Sean Rooney FIHE
I am Head of Service for Highway Maintenance and Road Safety at Oxfordshire County Council, with over 25 years’ experience in the highways sector.

Since 2022, I have been privileged to serve as an elected Council Member of the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), contributing to its strategic leadership, governance, and national debate on maintenance, professional standards, and innovation.

I have served on, and chaired for the past year, the Professional Development Portfolio Group—supporting members’ growth and helping shape a more accessible, relevant and forward-looking professional development offer. This is something I am passionate about.

Collaboration and challenge has been central to my contribution. I have championed knowledge-sharing across local authorities, industry partners, and professional bodies, promoting best practice in maintenance and road safety. Through my work with LGTAG and LCRIG, I engage closely with sector leaders, bringing a pragmatic, evidence-based perspective while offering constructive challenge.

I have strengthened the link between frontline delivery and national policy, ensuring operational insight informs IHE’s direction. I am committed to continuing this at Board level, providing a strong, collaborative voice for members and supporting a resilient, modern highways profession.

Olly Samways MIHE
With more than 15 years’ experience in the highway sector, I started my career through a work placed apprenticeship at Westcotec Ltd, where I now serve as Sales Director. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to delivering practical, innovative solutions that improve road safety and support the evolving needs of the highways sector.

As an existing Council Member, I have valued the opportunity to contribute to the Institute of Highway Engineers and support the important work it undertakes across the industry. I believe the IHE plays a vital role in promoting professional standards, sharing expertise and encouraging innovation throughout the sector.

If re-elected as Board Member and Director, I would continue to support the Institute’s growth while placing a particular focus on engaging younger professionals. Encouraging new talent into the industry and increasing younger membership participation is essential to ensuring the future strength, skills and sustainability of highway engineering.

I am passionate about helping the Institute remain approachable, relevant and forward thinking, while continuing to provide trusted support and leadership for members across the profession.

Stephen Webb IEng FIHE
I’m standing to be a member of the Institute of Highway Engineers Board because I care deeply about the future of our profession, supporting the next generation, and ensuring that the IHE always exists primarily to serve its valued membership.

As a Contract Manager at WSP, I am tasked with navigating our industry’s commercial and operational pressures daily. My leadership experience within the Institute is extensive and I served as your President during the pandemic, protecting our resilience through this most challenging period. I also bring 14 years of invaluable experience as an IHE Council member, spanning over several significant developments within our Institute. Furthermore, my commitment to our grassroots runs deep, serving as Treasurer for the Southwestern Branch for nearly 20 years.

Looking forward, I will support the Institute through its transition to the new Board structure, ensuring stable and reliable governance. I will passionately champion our industry’s transition toward carbon-zero infrastructure while actively making the IHE greener.

My key strength is communication and a team ethic, and I believe completely in open collaboration, transparency, and building and supporting strong regional branches.

I would be incredibly grateful for your vote to help shape our Institute and its member-led future.