Individuals can see change in a number of ways - passively, aggressively, or constructively - but it is important that we come to the situation with open minds and positive attitudes.

IMM council point out the synergies with the IOM and see the merits of such a merger as ensuring a voice for our industry. In the widest sense of the term - in the political forum - and that has to be in the interests of our members, not only in preserving the industry in this country, but also as a route to chartered status.

As engineers, whether at Chartered, Incorporated or Technical level, we want to be seen as a professionals, in the same way as doctors, lawyers and accountants are seen. How many people in the UK are aware that engineers hold 60% of the top positions in industry?

As an Institution we've a lot of communicating to do - communication in the early learning stages about engineering as a profession. In 1702 an engineer was described as an inventor, a plotter - or later, "one who designs and constructs works of public utility, often specialised, such as electric, gas, mining, railway, telegraph etc. These are connotations of engineer far removed from the public perception of the profession, which fits the final definition given in the Oxford English Dictionary; "one who manages an engine".

The Engineering and Technology Board and a merger with the Institute of Materials must therefore be seen as a positive step to continuing our tradition of engineering mining excellence. There will be a shift of focus from the engineering profession to the wider engineering and technology community, which includes numbers of highly skilled people who presently work outside the Engineering Council framework. The aim, by attracting a wider membership, is to heighten the relevance of the profession to the modern economy - to which minerals are vital.

I hope that our programme this year will serve to illustrate who we are now and what we do - a celebration of diversity and excellence.

(K. Dalgleish Jan 2002)

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