Non-member volunteer vacancies: Lay members for Disciplinary committees

The Institution’s new Investigating Panel, Disciplinary Panel and Appeals Panel are recruiting nine non-Institution members to join its operations as Lay members.

We are looking for people from various backgrounds (probably not engineering) to bring different perspectives to the panels, such as architects, teachers, social workers, medical, finance and legal professionals, trustees or volunteers of charities, local councillors and the like.   

This would be an excellent opportunity for people from other sectors of society to network with engineers and to gain an understanding of how ethical and moral issues are dealt with by a professional engineering institution, which may assist individuals with disciplinary matters in their own areas of work or interest. The roles would also contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.

We would be very grateful if you could forward this link on to suitable candidates.

Background information

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 has refreshed and updated 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 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 Institution’s new Disciplinary Regulations and details of the revised Terms of Reference for the panels can be found below.

The Disciplinary process is built into four escalating steps and we are looking for volunteers for stages 2, 3 and 4, to act as either:

• 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.
• Members of the Appeals Panel to ensure balance, should appeals be lodged.

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 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 below.

About the candidate

Lay Members 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. Excellent/strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work well with others.
4. Be willing to become well informed about the Institution's purpose, structure and By-laws, Code of Conduct regulations and Disciplinary regulations.

Role Descriptions and 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
Royal Charter & By-laws

The closing date for applications is 12 May 2022 17:00 BST.

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).
3. A word document version of the application form is also available.
4. Submit your application by 12 May 2022 17:00 BST
5. Your application will be acknowledged by nominations@imeche.org 
6. This recruitment campaign will progress through assessment and interviews for the top ranking candidates.
7. Candidates will be updated during the process.

*If you have not used Webrecruit to apply of an IMechE role before, you will need to register a new account.

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

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