Meet Our Team – Robert Grindrod, Professional Development Executive

As part of our 175th Anniversary celebrations we would like to introduce you to some of our valued Team members. Meet Robert Grindrod, Professional Development Executive for the Institution, and talented painter.

Tell us what you do for the Institution on a day-to-day basis? What does an average day look like?

I administer Career Learning Assessment applications and those from organisations seeking IMEchE approval of their EngTech apprenticeship schemes.

I receive calls and emails from applicants and advise them about the processes. I also work closely with the Academic Assessment Committee and the Integrated Schemes Accreditation Committee as they undertake the assessments and carry out other activities.

What is the most rewarding part of working for IMechE?

I believe that the IMechE is a force for good in the world of engineering and I am pleased to be able to help developing engineers to improve their career progression and job opportunities.

We know you are a talented portrait painter. Tell us about your artistic background – how long have you been creating portraits?

I studied Fine Art at Bath School of Art but the course was rooted in contemporary practice and unfortunately, as I should have predicted - didn’t offer much of a career path!

I have only recently turned my attention to more traditional portraiture, inspired by the ‘Old Masters’ you might see at the National Gallery (which is very conveniently located if you work at One Birdcage Walk). This took a lot of research and learning of skills and techniques that are no longer taught in art schools.

One of your portraits was recently featured in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition – tell us more about that.

I submitted a painting and it was selected after two rounds of judging. The exhibition was at the Mall Galleries in May and I received a great deal of positive feedback. It was an honour to be included in such a prestigious exhibition.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your colleagues and the wider membership?

I have been working here for eight years and I have never felt as positive about the Institution’s future as I do today. In recent years, the IMechE has strived to improve its offering to employees and has become much more progressive. All we need now is a painted portrait of a female member on the staircase at 1 Birdcage Walk… and I’d be happy to accept the commission!

Find out more:

• View Robert’s Instagram page
• Find out more about the Institution’s 175^th Anniversary