Comment & Analysis

The greatest gift we can give is our time

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering

Our volunteers build networks with local universities and business to make connections and drive innovation
Our volunteers build networks with local universities and business to make connections and drive innovation

On International volunteering day Dr Jenifer Baxter our Head of Engineering and member reflects on how important the role of volunteering is for the success of the Institution.

Motivated, creative individuals really can make a difference. With over 120,000 member engineers, our Institution is very fortunate. Our engineers come together all over the world to discuss the latest emerging trends in engineering and how we can support society to deliver positive change. They can be Trustees, regional and technical Chairs, education specialists, members of standards boards, peer reviewers, mentors or just enthusiastic participants.

As engineers we stand face to face with challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation, the low carbon and digital future, healthcare and ageing population and ongoing environmental destruction. Engineers from the Institution work in all these sectors seeking out and creating positive solutions that will make a real difference in the UK and throughout our international regions.

Our 16 UK and Ireland regions and seven international regions are all managed by volunteers creating a collaborative environment, bringing events and education activities to local communities engaging potential new engineers and the public. Our volunteers build networks with local universities and business to make connections and drive innovation. It is those engineers on the ground who develop relationships in their regions and sectors widening the reach of IMechE.

The depth of expertise from our members is an invaluable resource that the Institution is privileged to have access to. When we decide what we want to influence and change, or promote good practice through events and report development, we always turn to our membership. Our volunteers give us two of the most valuable commodities, knowledge and time. It is these gifts that make our Institution such an exciting place to work and a vital part of delivering global change. We stand together as professional engineers, experts in technology and infrastructure as well as business and innovation, the building blocks of our world.  It is the collective efforts of this highly motivated and creative group of individuals that allows IMechE to occupy such a globally respected position. We know that together we can access influencers and be change makers.

Everyday each of our members represents the IMechE as a professional in their work environments and personal lives. We are the advert for how our Institution is improving the world through engineering and I am proud of everything we achieve every day.

In a time poor 2019, to all our volunteers who provide knowledge, leadership, management and your time...Thank you, you make us what we are.

Share:

Read more related articles

Professional Engineering magazine

Current Issue: Issue 1, 2025

Issue 1 2025 cover
  • AWE renews the nuclear arsenal
  • The engineers averting climate disaster
  • 5 materials transforming net zero
  • The hydrogen revolution

Read now

Professional Engineering app

  • Industry features and content
  • Engineering and Institution news
  • News and features exclusive to app users

Download our Professional Engineering app

Professional Engineering newsletter

A weekly round-up of the most popular and topical stories featured on our website, so you won't miss anything

Subscribe to Professional Engineering newsletter

Opt into your industry sector newsletter

Related articles