How do I start writing my Quarterly Report?

The golden rule is to always write your entry in the first person.

The quarterly report is not a list of what you have done, but comprises the key elements of what you have achieved and the contributions made. Comments made should be linked to the relevant objectives set for the quarter. Include details of any presentations, reports written, feasibility studies, meetings with suppliers/customers, process and design reviews, and any personal responsibility given with any outcome. All jargon should be avoided. Your reports should be confined to 500 words.

Do I receive a starter pack for e-MPDS?

No. The online system is easy to use. Ensure you read the rest of the FAQs first, then after logging on the IMechE homepage, download the user guide from your Noticeboard Getting Started section.

I have been using the paper based system - Do I continue or switch to online 'e-MPDS' ?

Yes, you must change to online records. All participants on MPDS should use online records as soon as their next quarterly report is due.

Developing Engineers can log their reports 24/7. Simply type the report or cut and paste from a word document into the space provided for quarterly reports.

What do I need to do to start using e-MPDS?

You must be a fully paid member of IMechE, registration and fees for MPDS should be up to date and you must have a registered mentor. You must also be on a registered or accredited company scheme.

Please ensure you have logged on to IMember and created your username and password - click here to logon. After successful log-on, the link to e-MPDS will take you straight to your personal e-MPDS noticeboard page. If you receive an additional log-in screen, this may indicate a problem with your data. Please contact mpds@imeche.org and we will check your details.

If you have never logged onto IMember use the 'new user' link and follow the prompts carefully. You will receive emailed security authentication for access to member information and your e-MPDS link.

Tried to log on as a new user on IMechE but can't proceed?

The details you are entering do not match our database, or the username is already in use. Try another username. If unsuccessful contact subscriptions@imeche.org with your member details, date of birth etc and they will carry out security authentication and get back to you. When you have created your username your link to e-MPDS will be available within 48 working hours of us transferring the data.

Has e-MPDS been trialled?

Yes. It has been in industry for a number of years. e-MPDS record keeping is easy to use and requires only basic IT skills.

The log-on is 'case sensitive' so take care with the details you enter. Details should align with your membership registration. If you have logged on before, but forgotten your username and password please email: subscription@imeche.org with your membership number.

How will my mentor score my competence levels against UK Spec?

The Assessment Process - Scoring

Mentors must be registered with IMechE. It is essential they have adequate knowledge and understanding of the discipline being assessed. A good understanding of the assessment process for competence is essential. Help and Guidance is available for mentors

The key features include planning the assessment process, collecting evidence and comparing that evidence with the 'Standard' of UK SPEC. The next phase involves making the assessment decision and giving feedback. Clearly a person in year 1 and 2 of MPDS would NOT be scoring 3 or 4. Scoring guidance:

Level 1 = Performs the activity with significant supervision and guidance; performs basic routine and predictable tasks; little or no individual responsibility. (This level of competence would not normally be sufficient for election to Membership)

Level 2 = Performs the activity in a range of contexts; supervision only required in more complex circumstances; some individual responsibility or autonomy. (This indicates a minimum level of competence for election to Membership, which should be supplemented, by higher levels of competence in the areas most relevant to the field of engineering in which the applicant is employed).

Level 3 = Performs the activity in some complex and non-routine contexts; significant responsibility and autonomy; can oversee the work of others. (This indicates a normal level of competence for election to Membership).

Level 4 = Performs the activity in a wide range of complex and non-routine contexts; substantial personal autonomy; can develop others in the activity. (This indicates a high level of competence and suitability for election to Membership and possibly Fellowship)

Is my mentor registered?

Any IEng or CEng can register but we need confirmation of their Engineering Council Registration number. If your mentor has changed, you must email mpds@imeche.org It is your responsibility to follow up your mentor and ensure your mentor has provided us with the mentor registration form. Any changes to your MPDS details will take 48 working hours to map over to the e-MPDS link from the date they are input.

If I register on to MPDS can my previous experience in mechanical engineering be taken into account?

When you register onto MPDS you should provide records of your previous experience to your mentor. If the experience is gained through a university MPD Scheme and/or is relevant to your current organisation then your mentor can allow your previous experience to be taken into account. The maximum amount of previous experience that may be claimed is 52 weeks, if working toward IEng, and 78 weeks if working toward CEng. Your mentor will want to see evidence of your experience eg. your log books, project/assignment notes and your learning experiences, quarterly reports and interim reports signed by your line manager or the supervising CEng within the company. These usually have references to the competence you have attained through this experience. Your mentor’s assessment is based on ethical and professional judgement. This assessment must be carried out on/or before your registration onto the MPDS company scheme. The approved period will be noted on your registration form. We do not generally accept claims for previous experience if they are requested after you have registered on MPDS for more than one year.

I have completed the scheme, when do I apply for Corporate Membership?

You should apply within six months of completing the scheme. This can be extended in extenuating circumstances, but you should contact us to ensure you are scheduled for your peer review interview while your UK SPEC assessment of competence is current. This is why we recommend you come forward within 6 months as there is a higher success rate. If you delay, you may have to apply via the traditional route by submitting a Professional Review Report.

When you are ready to apply for registration to attend the peer Professional Review Interview, you should also present a Career Development Action Plan to outline your intentions for your career and ongoing professional development. In most cases your mentor will be happy to assist you with this preparation. When you attend the peer professional review interview, your mentor may accompany you. However, the mentor is not permitted to make any comments on your behalf unless invited to do so by the interview panel. Mentors are under no obligation to attend, but out of courtesy you should perhaps invite him/her. Their presence is usually beneficial.

Now I have completed the scheme, what do I need to submit to apply for corporate membership?

You are advised to apply for CEng or IEng MIMechE within 6 months of your completion date. If you do not apply within this period we may ask you to supply an additional Professional Review Report to support your application.

If you are applying outside this period, contact MPDS Administration on: mpds@imeche.org Please ensure your email subject/title clearly states "query about completion of MPDS”.

On your application form you are required to have two sponsors, one of which can be your mentor. Please provide the following using double sided photocopying:

A completed Application Form. The Interview and processing procedure are given in the guidance notes.

3 copies all quarterly reports for the final two years (double sided)

3 copies of Final Personal Report and Development Action Plan

3 copies of your Final year MPDS Annual Assessment Report

Application Fee

Please ensure you keep a copy of everything you send to us.

Please do not send applications with missing information. This causes undue delay. Please use the checklist above, then send your completed application to:

Membership Applications
IMechE
1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster , London SW1H 9JJ

When you send your Final Assessment Form, you will be sent information confirming the procedure to apply for corporate membership and registration as a professional engineer using your MPDS documentation. Alternatively you can download the application form from the Member application area

When do I send in my Assessment Reports?

When you register on to MPDS you will be sent the dates when assessment reports should be submitted. For students this is at the end of each placement. For graduates this is normally annually from the date your registration by IMechE on the scheme unless you have made a successful claim for prior experience.

I’ve changed organisations, can I continue on MPDS as my new company does not run the scheme?

Yes you can, if you have more than 9 months prior registration on MPDS. As you have begun the Scheme with a registered organisation, you will need to complete a transfer form. Please be aware this may result in changes to your Assessment Report due dates as these should be agreed with your new mentor. Your new mentor must be registered with the IMechE.

I’m a student, when should I complete an Assessment form?

You should complete your Student Assessment form after each work placement. An annual assessment should also be completed by your mentor. Students must use the training objectives set out in the student records and for this reason online e-MPDS is NOT suitable for students.

Should I summarise my previous training? Do I fill in the Quarterly Reports?

You have been asked to summarise the previous training claim that your Mentor has authorised. If you have written records of this then lodge details online in e-MPDS as a piece of 'Evidence' clearly stating the period claimed. Your mentor will then sign off online.

Start your quarterly reports at the appropriate period e.g. if 52 weeks previous training claim is approved, you will start records from Year 2 Quarter 1.

I’ve received my assessment dates but I have some previous experience, does this count?

You can claim up to 78 weeks previous experience. If you are making the claim after registration you need your Mentor to write confirming the number of weeks previous experience and where this took place. The IMechE may ask for copies of the reports that support this claim. Please be aware previous training claims can only be accepted in the 1st year of registration.

My Mentor has left the company, what do I do?

You can either continue with your old mentor if he/she is willing and able to meet you regularly or find a new Mentor . Remember your new Mentor must be CEng or IEng registered with the Engineering Council (UK) and email us at mailto:mpds@imeche.orgwith your new Mentor's details so we may adjust your records. If your new Mentor is not registered with us, he/she will need to complete a registration form.

My company has given me a posting overseas how does this effect my MPDS?

You can still continue on the scheme. If you are unable to meet up with your Mentor during this period you may wish to change to another Mentor . Remember he/she will need to be CEng or IEng registered with the Engineering Council (UK). Alternatively you may have a delegate Mentor onsite, with your Mentor continuing to sign your paperwork after consulting with your delegate mentor.

I’m taking a year out travelling, what happens to my MPDS in the meantime?

We can suspend your MPDS while you are travelling. You will need to contact us on your return about re-registering. Please also be aware that failing to pay your IMechE subscriptions will result in cancellation of your membership. Contact IMechE Subscriptions on 01952 214050 for advice.

Please be aware that IMechE can only retain suspended or terminated records for a limited period of two years. After this the file may be destroyed and application through the traditional route is recommended.

My Mentor and I have discussed my experience to date and I need to extend my MPDS what do I do?

This is not unusual and is in your best interest to wait until you have addressed the required level of competency before applying for registration. Your mentor should confirm to us by email mpds@imeche.org advising the length of the extension you require. We will adjust our records accordingly.

You should agree with your mentor the new dates that Assessment Reports are to be completed. You will need to complete quarterly reports while you are doing the extension, followed by a Final Assessment. These reports will be used at the peer review interview.

Do I need to be a member of IMechE in order to be on MPDS?

Yes. You need to an Affiliate or Associate Member of IMechE. You can download a membership application form from the IMechE website. Membership must be maintained or MPDS will be terminated.

What are the academic requirements for CEng Registration?

An IMechE accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification

An IMechE BEng (Hons) accredited degree plus a period of 'further learning'

Overseas qualifications of an acceptable standard and profile can be considered e.g. Australia , Canada , Ireland , Hong Kong , New Zealand , South Africa , USA and Europe. Any relevant overseas degree, together with a suitable UK higher degree, may also be suitable for assessment

Mathematics and Physical Science Honours degrees may be suitable when combined with relevant experience

Engineering Council (UK) Graduate Diploma (formerly Part 2 exams) extensive examinations of acceptable profile

What are the academic requirements for IEng Registration?

IEng accredited degree or equivalent qualification

A suitable HND/HNC plus a period of Further Learning

Overseas qualifications of an acceptable standard and profile can be considered e.g. Australia , Canada , Ireland , Hong Kong , New Zealand and South Africa

Mathematics and Physical Science degrees may be suitable when combined with relevant experience

What is Further Learning?

Further Learning is designed to ‘top-up’ an engineer’s qualifications to a level suitable for a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer. Contact Membership Enquiries on 0845 226 9191 to find out if your degree requires Further Learning. There are Approved Further Learning Schemes or you can submit an Individual Further Learning Plan. Further Learning is usually undertaken whilst you are on MPDS and can incorporate workbased programmes provided they are assessed.

How do I find out if I meet the academic requirements for CEng or IEng registration?

You will need to establish if you have “exemplifying qualifications” – that is, whether or not your course is accredited by the IMechE. If you are currently on a degree course, you can check the list on the IMechE website for current accredited courses. If you have already graduated you can contact Membership Enquiries on 0845 226 9191 to verify if your course is accredited.

How do I find out if my degree is accredited?

Visit the IMechE website

Older course will not be listed here; contact Membership Enquiries on 0845 226 9191 for this information.

What do I need to do if my degree is not accredited?

We need to establish whether your qualification meets the academic requirements of UK-SPEC for CEng or IEng. Please call the membership helpline on 0845 226 9191 and ask for an academic assessment form. We will either approve your qualifications, or recommend further study. You can submit an Academic Assessment with your application for Associate Member or as a separate procedure. Contact Membership Helpline 0845 226 9191 for details on how to do this.

My degree is in Civil Engineering but I want to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering. Where do I stand in terms of meeting the academic requirements for CEng or IEng and membership of IMechE?

ECUK listed degrees are accepted for Associate Membership but an academic assessment is required to establish whether there has been sufficient Mechanical Engineering content in your degree.

If my degree is from either Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA or Europe, will this be recognised in the UK?

The UK has a number of ‘mutual recognition agreements’ with other countries including all of the above. If your degree is entitled “Mechanical Engineering” and is listed under the Washington Accord (mutual recognition agreement) it will meet the UK requirements for CEng. If your degree is entitled “Mechanical Engineering” and is listed under the Sydney Accord (mutual recognition agreement) it meets the UK requirements for IEng. Mechanical engineering degrees listed by FEANI (European mutual recognition agreement) require academic assessment.

I have an overseas degree from a University that is not listed above. Will it be recognised in the UK ?

No. You will require Further Learning to meet the UK Standards.

What is e-MPDS ?

e-MPDS is a web-based information storage and retrieval system that guides and helps candidates through to potential eligibility for professional registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer. In outline, MPDS is a disciplined reporting framework and is all about building a development plan with your mentor, taking and reviewing actions to implement that plan, and ensuring that those actions result in the acquisition of the professional competences required under the UK Standards of Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC.)

Can reports be written offline?

Quarterly reports can be prepared as a word document. Simply cut and paste into the space provided for this.

My screen states there is no Plan approved for the quarter?

You failed to create a plan, or your mentor approved your Quarterly Report before the Action Plan. Plans/Evidence/Reports must be signed off in that order or data will not auto-map. It is not compulsory to create a Plan although this is part of the recommended framework of MPDS for best practice. Planning assists achieving your objectives.

Previous training and experience claim. Do I fill this in the Quarterly Reports?

You could summarise the previous training claim that your Mentor has authorised. If you have written records of this you can scan these and lodge under Evidence. Do not add the UK SPEC competences. Your mentor will sign off on the previous experience claim online.

If you have an approved 52 weeks previous training claim, you will start records from Year 2 Quarter 1.

My mentor will not score my evidence for me?

It is not compulsory to score evidence against UK SPEC competences.

My mentor will not set achievement levels for me?

It is not compulsory to set achievement levels. It is useful in the final year so the Developing Engineer is aware of the minimum requirements for competence.

My report is overdue. What should I do?

It is your own responsibility to ensure the disciplined framework of MPDS is followed, despite any workplace constraints you may be facing. Late reports reflect poorly on your ability to meet project deadlines. If your mentor delays the return of your plans, evidence or reports; you should discuss this with him/her. If it persists, take action to seek a new mentor within the company by contacting the appropriate person within your company training scheme. You should continue to produce your Quarterly Reports regardless, as the IMechE will recognise a genuine situation where mentors are responsible for delays. However this situation cannot persist and you must take action or you may not be able to use these records for the professional review interview because you have not met QA requirements.

Do I have to record every meeting?

No.This is optional and entirely up to you. e-MPDS has a lot of enhanced functions to assist record keeping. It is up to the individual to adjust these to their own needs and time constraints. The essential framework of MPDS must be maintained by submitting 4 quarterly reports each year, followed by an interim Annual Assessment Report.

Do I have to record evidence?

No. You can keep to a simple framework of planning, quarterly reports and annual assessments if you wish. Submitting evidence suits some individuals and not others. If you are not using the 'Evidence' tab, you MUST make reference to which UK SPEC competences you achieved in your quarterly report.

A brief reference to evidence is often all that is required for the Mentor to score the evidence. In this situation they would have already familiarised themselves with the project or piece of work you have been working on.

Some companies may have a policy on not permitting work-based evidence to be recorded outside of their area of control. As MPDS is portable, this is your record and you must follow your company’s guidelines (if any) for evidence submission. Therefore, evidence of a secure or commercially sensitive nature should never be uploaded.

What constitutes evidence?

Evidence is material which demonstrates that you meet a particular level against the Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer Competences of UK SPEC (eg level 1 indicates you are aware; level 2 familiar; level 3 skilled; level 4 expert). This material could, for example, be in the form of a report you have written or contributed to, some calculations you have made or an assessment by a competent person of your ability in a particular role (eg your company appraisal). You could include drawings if these help to describe what you have achieved but you should NOT upload any 'commercially sensitive' information or items online to e-MPDS, or anything belonging to the company.

My Annual report is due, what do I do?

Follow the user guide. Go to Reports to initiate the report and provide your summary of the year. This is auto-submitted to your mentor to complete. On completion the mentor will auto-return it to you. As soon as your Annual report has been completed you can be working on your next Development Plan and working toward the next quarterly report.

Wish to transfer to another company?

If you are joining a new company scheme we require a Transfer form. FROM THE 1st SEPTEMBER transfer fee is free if you are transferring from an accredited scheme to another accredited scheme. If you are transferring to a non-accredited scheme, the fee is £40. All fees should be included with your application . Transfer should be completed within 2 months of joining the new company.

If the new company does not have an accredited MPD scheme you can continue recording your e-MPDS activity provided you have a mentor to support you who is registered with the IMechE. If there is no MPD Scheme in place you must produce a plan of development for the remaining years you will intend to stay on the MPDS programme. You should forward copies of all your reports with your transfer form and the development plan, so as they can be reviewed by a Professional Development Adviser. If we have any concerns about your plan and your Transfer we will contact you immediately. You know when your e-MPDS has been reactivated when you can click on the e-MPDS link on your IMechE personal page and it opens to your e-MPDS Noticeboard.

What is an Action Plan?

Follow the user guide for e-MPDS. Creating a Plan helps you set aims and objectives for the quarter you are working in. You should discuss these with your mentor and/or training manager to ensure they are achievable and resources are available for you. If you do not achieve all of the objectives and competences outlined in your Plan, you simply readdress these issues in your next Plan. If you are not provided with adequate opportunity for development you should speak directly with your mentor or training supervisor or other appropriate person within your workplace. Your ongoing development is your own responsibility and you should take all measures to ensure you receive the right placements within company to achieve competence. The IMechE cannot interfere with any company policy or objectives for training and development, however we are always happy to visit the company to advise them and to ensure they are able to provide sufficient development programmes for re-accreditation.

Can I work off-line on e-MPDS?

No. However you can pre-prepare your evidence and upload it later. You can also pre-prepare quarterly reports and cut and paste this content into the appropriate spaces when you create your Quarterly Report.

Are scores for evidence averaged out?

No. The score reflects that single piece of evidence only for that particular competence. These are auto-mapped to your checksheet, to show at-a-glance where you have gaps in the competence framework. The Mentor will manually insert the overall competence score for A B C D and E on the Annual Assessment Report, but these will not show up on your check sheet.

What is the purpose of scoring competence?

This provides good feedback to developing engineers about the level of competence they are achieving at particular stages. A score of 0 in your Annual Report indicates the competence has not been achieved. However, if the Mentor scores 0 in evidence, this indicates that the competence is not considered relevant to the evidence and is therefore not included in the work submitted.

What is the purpose of setting a competence achievement level?

This helps the developing engineer understand the level that is expected. e.g. in year 1 it is most rare to achieve a score of 4 for anything. A steady rise throughout development, particularly between year 3 and 4, is generally expected. It is not compulsory to use this function. It is however a very useful guide for the final year, because the Mentor can indicate the minimum score requirement they are anticipating to achieve corporate membership of the IMechE, and subsequent registration as a professional engineer.

How do I know when my fees for e-MPDS are due?

You will receive an email reminder about your fees one month before they are due. These are not usually due at the same time as your IMechE subscriptions. If we do not receive the fee, your MPDS will be suspended. After a lengthy period of non-payment, you may be terminated permanently. The policy of this time period is subject to change.

Can my mentor attend my peer review interview on completion of MPDS?

The mentor may attend interview with the candidate however they may not contribute or volunteer any information unless invited to do so by the panel. Mentor comments are expected to be objective. The mentor comments on Quarterly and Annual reports are helpful in providing guidance to the Developing Engineer and assist the interview panel to build a picture of the individual’s development.

Can I place my previous quarterly reports onto e-MPDS?

This is not a requirement as paper records of this period will be held by IMechE.

My mentee wants to claim for previous experience, what do I do now?

When developing engineer registers onto MPDS they must request a previous experience claim at that point. Claims can only be back dated during the first year of registration. If the experience has been gained as part of an MPDS accredited scheme and the disciplined framework of reporting for MPDS has been diligently followed, and your professional opinion is that the experience and/or competence achieved is relevant, then you can allow up to 78 weeks of previous experience, if you are following the CEng pathway or 52 weeks if you are following the IEng pathway, to be taken into account.

Will I require Further Learning to achieve IEng or CEng registration?

You should check with the membership team (tel: 0845 226 9191) for an individual assessment of your degree so that you know early in your MPDS programme if you may require Further Learning to meet the requirements of UK SPEC. You may then wish to incorporate this into your e-MPDS records under Evidence.

Do you wish to become a Mentor and want further information?

You must be CEng registered with the Engineering Council. Training Seminars are conducted throughout the year at various locations.

Where can I get a copy of UK-SPEC to outline the competence framework?

Go to the tab ‘UK SPEC’ within e-MPDS or download a pdf copy

Payment of fees

MPDS annual fees can be paid by contacting: Subscriptions on 01952 214050

Updating information

Update your personal details and email address via the link on your personal IMechE page. These will auto-map within 2 working days.

Do you wish to suspend your MPDS?

Ensure your records are up to date as you must rely on these for the peer review interview. Email mpds@imeche.org and your mentor and confirm the date you wish to suspend MPDS. Make sure all your quarterly and annual reports are up to date BEFORE this date.

You can restart on MPDS from where you left off, when you return, provided your IMechE fees and subscriptions are paid up to date. Payment on recommencement will depend on the amount of credit on your MPDS account when you return. There are no refunds for fees paid toward MPDS under any circumstances.

Please be aware that IMechE can only retain suspended or terminated records for a limited period of two years. After this the file may be destroyed and application through the traditional route is recommended.

If you do not want to resume MPDS go to http://www.pd-how2.org/ for advice on how to achieve registration whilst still recording your professional development.