Why has the IMechE Ambassador programme been created?

Historically IMechE volunteers have worked in varying capacities which have often been organised in isolation from one another, sometimes with discrepancies in the level of support being offered to members.

The Ambassador scheme will aim to address this problem by allowing volunteers to access a common range of materials online to support their work and keep abreast of upcoming volunteering and training opportunities available across the institution. A cohesive system of administration will support all volunteers in organising activities to avoid duplication and share best practice.

It is hoped that as well as signing up members who are already involved in volunteering for the IMechE, new volunteers will be encouraged to become involved with supporting the Institutions activities.

What information is needed to register as an Ambassador?

The essential information required is your name, IMechE membership number and preferred email address.

If you intend to work in schools it is essential that you join the STEMNET Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEA) scheme, which will require you to complete a form to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Details can be found at http://www.stemnet.org.uk/ambassadors.cfm

This CRB check is portable and will give you standard clearance to work with children on behalf of STEMNET and IMechE. This has been agreed between IMechE and STEMNET.

What will happen once I register with the IMechE Ambassador programme? 

You should receive a confirmation and membership badge within 3 weeks.

IMechE volunteering opportunities will be sent to Ambassadors in the form of email bulletins as and when they are presented. These will be sent to specific regions relevant to the placement, to ensure that volunteers are not required to travel long distances.

From January 2009 each Ambassador will be sent a schools toolkit consisting of example literature, posters and presentations for use in schools. Classroom activities will also be available to download on the IMechE website and IMechE Ambassadors will be able to request literature and posters for specific events.

Training is currently under development for schools Ambassadors and is expected to be delivered in March 2009.

What will my direct responsibilities be once I register?

There will be no direct responsibilities other than keeping IMechE informed on any schools activities you are involved in (through SEAs, IMechE or individually) so that we can provide you with supporting materials such as literature.

Those not already registered as SEAs will be responsible for joining the STEMNET scheme to obtain a CRB check.

Will I be asked to do some particular activities or is it up to me to find the activities I’d like to participate in?

There will be no obligation to undertake any particular activities; these are at your discretion whether they are organized individually, through IMechE or SEAs. We will be sending updates on IMechE volunteering activities as and when they become available.

Will I have to work on a regional scale or UK-wide?

This is personal preference. Normally regional volunteering opportunities are offered to relevant regional areas.

How does the IMechE Ambassador Programme interact with the existing STEMNET SEAs programme?

The IMechE Ambassador Programme runs alongside the SEAs programme and is designed to support those members of the IMechE who are involved in volunteering with schools. SEAs who are members of the IMechE are able to use IMechE materials during their placements, irrespective of whether it is organised through SEAs, IMechE or company/individually coordinated events.

How is the IMechE Ambassador programme different to the SEAs programme run by STEMNET?

The SEAs programme specialises in placing Ambassadors from a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics backgrounds in schools, colleges and education events to support activities, offer careers guidance and act as role models. The SEAs programme offers Criminal Record Bureau checks to each of its Ambassadors, followed by a short induction on working in schools. Ambassadors are sent monthly bulletins of volunteering opportunities they may wish to participate in.

The IMechE Ambassador programme aims to support the activities of Ambassadors who work in a variety of roles ranging from media spokespersons, schools volunteers to industry and regional committees. This is done through the provision of volunteering opportunities, volunteering specific training and materials designed to provide practical support. This is to help IMechE members achieve quality and enjoyable volunteer experiences that develop their skills and promote their profession.

Is it necessary for me to be a SEA to be able to register as IMechE Ambassador or can I still become an IMechE Ambassador and take on duties other than working with schools?

Being a SEA is not a condition of being an IMechE Ambassador and will not preclude members from joining the programme, as some Ambassadors may not be involved with schools at all.

However, it is essential that members who wish to work in schools join the SEAs programme, as this will enable them to gain CRB clearance to protect all respective parties involved in the schools volunteering procedure.

Who can I contact if I have a question/comment about the IMechE Ambassador programme, or if I need more information?

The scheme is being coordinated by:

Habiba Choudhuri - Schools & Student Marketing Executive

Email:  h_choudhuri@imeche.org

Tel:       020 7304 6860