Leading by Example: Spotlight on Our Board Chairs

Meet James Collinson, Chair of IMechE’s Technical Strategy Board and Past Chair of the Railway Division.

James began his rail career after graduating from Sheffield University in 1992 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He spent eight years in engineering management at British Rail, culminating as Depot Manager at the Neville Hill depot in Leeds. In 2000, James transitioned to infrastructure, holding various roles at Railtrack and Network Rail over 11 years. This period deepened his expertise in asset management and reinforced his system-wide approach to engineering by bridging Traction & Rolling Stock with infrastructure operations.

In 2011, he founded the Network Certification Body —a Network Rail subsidiary—serving as Managing Director and uniting his dual-track experience to lead independent certification for both infrastructure and rail vehicle projects.

From 2018 to 2022, James was Head of Design for Network Rail’s Southern Region, guiding a multidisciplinary team in delivering infrastructure design solutions across the full project lifecycle—from concept through commissioning.

Can you tell us about your volunteering experience at IMechE?

The IMechE Rail Division has played a pivotal role throughout my career—from attending my first Young Members Rail Conference to sitting on my Fellowship review panel. I delivered my first presentation at the Young Members Conference in 2006 and, by 2009, was Chair of the Rail Division Seminars and Conferences Committee. Since 2012, I’ve been actively involved with the Rail Division Board, including serving as Chair from 2021 to 2022. These roles have not only allowed me to give back to the community but also to help shape conversations that drive our profession forward.

What attracted you to the role as TSB Chair?

While serving as Railway Division Chair, I joined the Technical Strategy Board and became interested by how the wider network of Divisions and Groups—18 in total—contributed to the Institution. That experience sparked a desire to play a more active role, leading me to become Deputy Chair in 2022 and Chair in 2023. It’s a unique opportunity to help align technical leadership across the breadth of engineering disciplines represented by IMechE.

What are your goals as an IMechE volunteer?

My aim has always been to strengthen collaboration across the IMechE’s diverse communities—whether that’s Divisions, Groups, or Regional branches—to better support our members. As an IMechE Mentor, I’ve enjoyed helping engineers achieve professional registration, and I’ve supported several through to becoming Chartered or Incorporated. For me, it’s all about empowering people. Engineering principles are vital, but it’s the engineers themselves—growing their systems thinking, deepening their understanding, and connecting across disciplines—that truly drive progress.