New President Matt Garside pledges to build on public trust in engineering

Matt Garside CEng FIMechE, the Institution’s 140th President, ushered in his leadership term centred around the theme of Trust—a timely and vital topic in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Matt’s presidential address, titled “Trust Me, I’m an Engineer”, underscores the essential role of public confidence in engineers as the guardians and drivers of innovation.

Drawing on over two decades of industry experience and volunteer service within the Institution, he used the platform to call attention to the vital relationship between technological progress and public trust.

“Why are engineers trusted?” Matt asked during his speech. “In a word: Impact. When we look around us, virtually everything we touch, or use has been engineered.”

Citing the rigorous standards behind the technologies we rely on daily—from vehicles to infrastructure— Matt stressed the unseen, yet indispensable responsibility engineers hold in ensuring safety, efficiency, and ethical application.

“If the public don’t understand or trust the engineers who create or drive technology advancements, then the take-up or acceptance of the technology is likely to be low,” he warned.

Matt highlighted the Veracity Index opinion poll from IPSOS which showed engineers as the second most trusted profession, behind nurses but ahead of doctors and teachers.

The theme of the importance of trust was mentioned by Nick Valentine, newly elected Chair of the Young Members’ Board, when he gave the closing thanks and highlighted how trust in engineers is essential for society to function, although many people take engineering for granted.

Ahead of his election, Matt spoke about his priorities for his year in office which also include enhancing our member offer and taking a decision on the future of our headquarters building.

Matt’s term will include many exciting events in IMechE's calendar: