Our vision: improving the world through engineering

Our mission

To be the recognised authority in Mechanical Engineering supporting a global Engineering Community.

How the Institution of Mechanical Engineers is helping to improve the world

Throughout the constantly evolving work of mechanical engineers, one institution has been at the heart of the world’s most important and dynamic industries since its formation in 1847. Today, working hard to support our 115,000 members, the Institution is the market leader among professional engineering bodies. It is a  go-ahead organization with global reach that truly represents and reflects the profession: encouraging professional registration and  long-term career development.

As a global community of mechanical engineers represented in over 140 countries, the Institution is the largest network of mechanical engineering knowledge, skill and opportunity in the world. With an ever growing membership based outside the UK, we develop and maintain key partnerships with leading multi-national employers to ensure their technical workforces are trained to the highest standard. By equipping engineers with the right skills, knowledge and experience to help them develop, we contribute to strengthening the world’s leading companies.

We encourage high profile education initiatives which inspire the next generation to work in engineering, and get engineers featured in the global media and heard by government.

We are committed to ensuring that the views of engineers are well represented in the public domain. Thanks to its internationally recognised thought leadership around energy, climate change and future transport, the global press trusts the Institution as a source of expert opinion. With a proven track record for understanding the needs of government, our well respected expert knowledge is sought by politicians to shape policy.

Strategic Objectives

Our strategic objectives are:

Leading as the qualifying body for a broad spectrum of Engineering activity – Registration

  • Recognition for Professional Engineers, respected wherever they are in the world
  • Highest standards of professional registration, with a great application experience
  • EngTech the benchmark for engineering apprenticeships

Providing Members with professional ethical standards, life-long learning and continuous development through knowledge

  • The global Learned Society for mechanical engineering, connecting members, industry, employers, academia and informed society
  • Monitored continuous professional development (CPD) accessible and relevant to members and employers
  • High quality life-long support for any member

Inspiring, training and educating the next generation of engineers

  • Intellectual leadership on education and professional engineering
  • Great engineering careers information and inspirational educational programmes available for all
  • High quality engineering education and training relevant to employers and the needs of society

Promoting the role, importance and value of engineers and engineering

  • High profile campaigns on engineering matters which make a difference to society
  • A champion of the appeal and importance of engineering to society & employers

Acting as the focus to which the world’s organisations turn for help, advice and informed opinion on mechanical engineering to tackle global challenges

  • A respected, informed agenda of practical advice to governments, employers, members and the public
  • A global network and knowledge hub of choice for mechanical engineering expertise

Encouraging innovation, research and entrepreneurship in engineering

  • Campaign, support and promote innovation in engineering
  • Reward high standards of research

Strategic Enablers

Maintaining relevance and supporting society and members with:

  • A collaborative global network
  • Financial stability
  • A contemporary digital infrastructure
  • Effective leadership and governance
  • Forward thinking, dedicated and motivated employees
  • Effective engagement of Members
  • Harness the power of volunteers

Related links

Find out more about our governance

Read our Annual Review

Ask a question

If you would like to find out more about our vision or strategic objectives contact Joan Gibbins.