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[September 2006]  Strong approval ratings were given to our Power Industries Division (PID) member services in the first-ever grassroots test of how well we are performing.

A survey of members with an interest in the energy sector revealed that IMechE support, communications, technical information and value for money from event attendance were all ranked highly.

Only PID events, such as conferences, indicated low support with 85 per cent of those responding saying they had not attended an event in the past year.

However, those who had participated endorsed the events' relevance, content, literature, handouts and costs. Many said they would travel long distances – more than 75 miles – to attend.

"Overall, the opinions regarding PID are positive," said survey organiser Andy Morris, a member of the PID Board, who is a senior manager with the E.ON UK energy services consultancy Power Technology.

"There is no indication that the current levels of support and services need any sort of dramatic overall.

"The survey shows that once members are involved with the PID, it is a positive experience and is valued."

The results have provided a basis from which to raise awareness of the PID to current and potential members. Findings will especially help IMechE regional representatives visiting companies to promote the organisation and the advantages of Chartered or Incorporated status.

More than 2,300 members – some 30 percent of those contacted – responded to the email-based survey framed around three main themes – Communication, Events, and Future ideas.

The headline summaries are:

• 84 % said their needs are met, or fully met, by the PID,
• 74 % said a good or average level of support is provided,
• 85 % said the PID usually or always communicates well,
• 87 % have read Powerline at least once in the past year with 34 percent reading it three times,
• 91 % found Powerline's content relevant,
• 72% chose technical developments/procedures, or power industry news/current affairs, as topics for more coverage in Powerline,
• 85 % have not attended a PID lecture, conference or seminar in the past year,
• 65 % felt relevance and content was the key factor at PID events,
• 95 % said PID event literature and handouts were good or average,
• 74 % said that good value for money is provided by PID events,
• 34 % nominated an exclusive forum as their top choice for new member benefits,
• 69 % believe a priority activity for PID should be increasing its national profile by contributing to the energy debate.

Andy Morris added: "Members have given us clear pointers to the way they would like to see PID enhance its services. Steps are already being taken to see if we can use our current resources more effectively and where there are opportunities to increase our service capacity.

"In particular we are looking at our events where expanding the programme, and gaining more publicity to reflect the quality of the content, is very likely to raise attendances."

 

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