Apply To Join The Institution's New Disciplinary Panels

The Institution’s new Disciplinary Panels are recruiting over twenty individual panel members to join its operations.

As a key Governance function, the candidates will help make a real difference to the management of our organisation and how the Institution is perceived externally.

The Institution is refreshing and updating the way it deals with complaints made about members (by members, staff, others) by establishing new procedures based on assessment, investigation, disciplinary and appeals processes. The new process sits alongside other internal complaints procedures.

Great efforts will be made to deal with issues early. In the spirit of our 4 I’s (Inclusion, Integrity, Innovation, Impact) the Institution will offer a triage service to all members and staff with the aim of resolving matters as quickly and effectively as possible. Should this not be possible, complaints of a serious and unresolved nature will then be handled by the Disciplinary process as outlined below.

As a global Institution and registered charity, we need to demonstrate transparency and fairness in the way that we handle any complaints either internal or external. These roles are critical to the management of our organisation and how the Institution is perceived externally.

The IMechE recently made available the new Disciplinary Regulations and details of the revised Terms of Reference for the Assessors, Investigating Panel, Disciplinary Panel and the Appeals Panel can be found below.

The Disciplinary process is built into four escalating steps and we are looking for volunteers to act as either:

• Assessors to review initial complaints and determine if there is a case to be answered
• Members of the Investigating Panel to examine a variety of cases in detail and to determine if there is a realistic prospect that a breach of the Code of Conduct or Institution rules has occurred
• Members of the Disciplinary Panel to determine the outcome and if any sanctions are to be applied.
• And, as with any process of this nature, members of the Appeals Panel to ensure balance should further consideration be necessary

The Roles

The purpose of these roles is to establish a robust, impartial complaints process. Applicants can either apply for a specific role or the Institution will select candidates to fulfil roles based upon experience outlined by candidates.

The roles have common elements that include:

• Knowledge/Experience in dealing with assessments/complaints and hearings.
• Experience in investigating/dealing with complaints and appeals
• Able to evaluate evidence objectively and independently.
• An understanding and application of procedures, systems and controls.
• A good understanding of the principles of confidentiality, consent to share information and General Data Protection Regulation
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft applications.

A full role description for each position is available.

About You

As an Assessor or Panel Member you will ideally have a combination of the following characteristics:

1. Analytical skills with the ability to objectively evaluate evidence and understand complex issues.
2. Effective decision-making skills.
3. Able to conduct assessments in a timely manner.
4. Excellent/strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work well with others.
5. Well informed about the institutional purpose, structure and an understanding of the Institution’s By-laws, Code of Conduct regulations and Disciplinary regulations.
6. Little or no past volunteering experience for the Institution to avoid conflicts of interest in handling cases. MPDS Mentor experience is desirable.

Applications to join the IMechE’s refreshed Disciplinary Panels are now open to members of the Institution who meet the requirements outlined in the role descriptions.

Role Descriptions and Terms of Reference

Assessors Role Description
Assessors Terms of Reference
Investigating Panel Role Description
Investigating Panel Terms of Reference
Disciplinary Panel Role Description
Disciplinary Panel Terms of Reference
Appeals Panel Role Description
Appeals Panel Terms of Reference 

The closing date for applications is 04 January 2022 17:00 GMT.

How to apply

1. Download and review the covering letter and role descriptions
2. Complete the online application form* and upload a recent CV (limited to 2 pages).
   1. A word document version of the application form is also available.
3. Submit your application by 04 January 2022 17:00 GMT
4. Your application will be acknowledged and reviewed by the Nominations Committee.

*If you have not used Webrecruit to apply of an IMechE role before, you will need to register a new account. Note: the Webrecruit system is separate to your online IMechE member account.

Please use a maximum of 250 words per question when completing the online application form.

Due to the size of this recruitment campaign, assessments, interviews and appointments will be staggered. The Nominations Committee will keep all applicants updated throughout the process.

If you have any questions about the application process or would like to discuss the online application form, please contact (nominations@imeche.org).