Election of regional members to the council 2026 - candidate statements
ICE | East of England
Simon James Morris BSc (HONS) IEng MICE
"… If elected, I will bring a practical, delivery focused perspective informed by real world experience, ensuring the ICE remains relevant, outward looking, and equipped to address long term infrastructure planning, climate resilience and social value…"
With a career spanning 22 years specialising in flood risk projects (fluvial and coastal) including tidal barriers, with experience working on major infrastructure projects, such as Thames Tideway Tunnels and the Thames Estuary Asset Management 2100 programme were I lead the appraisal stage of the programme. I am currently supporting Sizewell C granted DCO within the Consents Management team.
An advocate of the importance of the ICE and the promotion of STEM I have held the role of Schools Liaison Officer on the Peterborough branch of the ICE, leading on school visits and supporting the Engineering Education Scheme.
Through my career I have championed collaborative working, transparent decision making, and early engagement recognising the importance of this in delivering successful infrastructure projects and sharing innovation, as highlighted in the 2026 State of the Nation report.
If elected, I will bring a practical, delivery focused perspective informed by real world experience, ensuring the ICE remains relevant, outward looking, and equipped to address long term infrastructure planning, climate resilience and social value.
I am committed to strengthening the ICE’s role as a trusted voice in national infrastructure, supporting members through professional development, and expanding the institution’s influence in areas such as sustainability, systems thinking, and project collaboration.
Proposed by: Richard Nunn, Andrew Rouse, Jim Hutchison, Peter Lawton, Nicole Oldfield.

Richard Nunn BSc CEng FICE MCIWEM
"… I am currently acting in 2026 as casual vacancy on Council for East of England and if elected…I would… support sustainable development and be an advocate for professional development and inclusivity across the profession…"
I am a chartered civil engineer with experience in the water and flood risk management sector. The last fifteen years have been Investment Assurance for the Environment Agency which provides technical assurance for all major flood risk management projects and supports Defra in any submissions to cabinet office.
Early career involved working for water utility and consultancy based in the UK. I have served on organizing committees for past ICE breakwater and coastal management conferences.
I am currently acting in 2026 as casual vacancy on Council for East of England and if elected for a three year term, I would aim to ensure that civil engineers are at the heart of decision making on infrastructure development in which multi-faceted disciplines can join in place making; support sustainable development and be an advocate for professional development and inclusivity across the profession.
The East of England committees are aiming to build trusted relationships and raise the profile of the East of England as a key area of growth and resilience in the UK. I will support this aim by promoting key issues from the state of nation 2026 report that impact innovation, collaboration and capability.
Proposed by: Simon Morris, Andrew Rouse, Elizabeth Orchard, Peter Lawton, Jim Hutchison.

ICE | London
Owen Dannatt MEng MSc MBA CEng FICE ACGI
"… I am committed to giving back to the Institution…and to contribute meaningfully in addressing the industry’s challenges. If elected to Council, I will help the ICE provide confident professional leadership and remain influential and forward‑looking across the profession."
My long association with the ICE began as a QUEST scholar in 1998. The support I received, together with a high‑quality graduate scheme at Taylor Woodrow, laid the foundations for a career that has taken me from site engineering to senior leadership in some of the industry’s most complex environments.
I have worked across infrastructure delivery, construction M&A, commercial development, and major project oversight, including on The Shard advisory board and later as COO at its developer, Sellar. This breadth of experience has given me a broad perspective and deep understanding of our industry with a clear view of the challenges we must address: inspiring the next generation, protecting vital infrastructure, unlocking productivity through digitisation and driving progress on sustainability.
Today, as CEO of Kilnbridge, the UK’s leading structures specialist, I experience these challenges daily whilst leading teams delivering high‑risk, high‑impact structural engineering on the country’s most ambitious projects.
Now an ICE Fellow, I am committed to giving back to the institution that supported my early career, and to contribute meaningfully in addressing the industry’s challenges. If elected to Council, I will help the ICE provide confident professional leadership and remain influential and forward‑looking across the profession.
Proposed by: Brian Fegan, Elliot Neale, Javier Garcia Ortega, Pedro Schvetz, Ben White.

Andrew Burton BEng (Hons) CEng CEnv CSci CWEM FICE MCIWEM
"... closer collaboration across engineering institutions is vital if our collective voice is to be heard. My aim in seeking election... is to strengthen ICE's leadership in forging strategic partnerships and significantly expanding our promotional and policy influence."
Major economic, digital and sustainability challenges are rapidly reshaping our industry. The ICE must therefore lead a clear and confident narrative demonstrating how the profession has the expertise, innovation and adaptability to address infrastructure, environmental and resilience challenges. The public and policymakers are seeking long‑term solutions, and further raising our profile is essential if we are to provide them.
I have been a career-long advocate for civil and environmental engineering and am passionate about communicating its value and impact. This includes service as an Engineering Council Senator, Director of the Engineering and Technology Board, and roles on the ICE London Committee, SE Water Expert Panel and Professional Conduct Panel. As an ICE Reviewer, I also support attracting the best talent into the profession. I currently work for Mott MacDonald, leading a global portfolio of infrastructure climate resilience projects, so see the significant positive impact engineers can have, particularly in developing nations.
I firmly believe that closer collaboration across engineering institutions is vital if our collective voice is to be heard. My aim in seeking election to Council is to strengthen ICE’s leadership in forging strategic partnerships and significantly expanding our promotional and policy influence.
Proposed by: Professor Eur Ing Dr Phebe Mann, Paul Perry, Alex Wright, Tim Hou, Frederick Levy.

Viral Gandhi MEng (Hons) CEng MICE
"… The ICE and its community have long been central to my career… I would like to take this opportunity to give back… I will represent our region and the ICE with continued energy, enthusiasm, honesty and integrity."

Nigel Thompson MEng (Hons) CEng MICE MCIHT
"… If elected…I will contribute to the Council’s work on admissions, professional qualification standards and the Learning Society agenda. I will represent London’s engineers thoughtfully, listen openly, and support evidence‑based improvements aligned with the ICE 2030 Strategy…"
I am an Associate Director and Chartered civil engineer with over 15 years’ experience working across development and infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally, supporting and leading teams through all stages of design and delivery. At Buro Happold, I contribute to large‑scale masterplans and detailed design projects, where I support technical delivery and promote collaborative, multidisciplinary working. With experience in drainage, utilities and highways, I strive for environmentally conscious solutions that prioritise long‑term sustainable outcomes for people and places.
I am passionate about supporting early-career engineers and the professional review process. Through my work as an ICE Reviewer and SCE/DE, I understand the importance of clear standards, constructive guidance and a supportive environment for those progressing toward professional qualification. This experience has shown me how important the Learning Society is in maintaining high professional standards and sharing practical knowledge across the Institution.
If elected as the London Regional Member, I will contribute to the Council’s work on admissions, professional qualification standards and the Learning Society agenda. I will represent London’s engineers thoughtfully, listen openly, and support evidence‑based improvements aligned with the ICE 2030 Strategy, particularly its ambition to strengthen the profession’s trusted role in delivering safe, functional and inclusive infrastructure.
Proposed by: Tom Spawton, Nicole Cooper, Craig Rew, John Scandrett , Davood Liaghat.

ICE | North East [Uncontested ballot]
Laura Brown-Glaholm CEng MICE
"… Throughout my career, I have championed high‑quality engineering… and the development of future talent…If elected, I will bring strategic leadership, regional insight, and a strong commitment to member value, ensuring our Institution remains forward‑looking, inclusive, and impactful."
I am standing for election to the ICE Council because I am committed to strengthening our Institution’s influence, supporting our members, and ensuring civil engineering continues to lead with professionalism, innovation, and social value. Throughout my career, I have championed high‑quality engineering, collaborative delivery, and the development of future talent.
My service to the ICE has been both extensive and varied. I have had the privilege of serving as ICE North East Vice Chair and subsequently Regional Chair, roles in which I supported strategic regional planning, strengthened member engagement, and helped shape a dynamic, inclusive programme of activity. I also served as ICE NE Dinner Awards Secretary, coordinating a rigorous multi‑day judging process and delivering the annual awards with fairness and consistency—recognition for which I was honoured to receive a Presidential Gift.
I also maintain strong links with academia as a member of the Industrial Advisory Board for Newcastle University Civil Engineering, helping shape curriculum relevance and ensuring our graduates are industry‑ready. I also support professional development through mentoring and supervising trainees toward ICE membership.
If elected, I will bring strategic leadership, regional insight, and a strong commitment to member value, ensuring our Institution remains forward‑looking, inclusive, and impactful.
Proposed by: Paula McMahon, Yanyan Liang, Alan Ross, Beth Barnes, Malinee Steena Nasapen-Watson.

ICE | Wales [Uncontested ballot]
Mike Wellington BEng (Hons) MSc CEng CEnv FICE FCIWEM C.WEM IMaPS MAPM
"… If elected, I would be proud to represent the region on Council. I actively support mentoring, university lecturing and STEM outreach, and would strengthen links between industry and academia while promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and professional development…"
I am a Chartered Civil Engineer and Environmentalist with 38 years’ experience in water infrastructure and flood risk management. I became a Chartered Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2004 and was elected a Fellow in 2011. Since 2020 I have been an ICE Health and Safety Registrant and recently joined the HSR Working Group and serve as an ICE Professional Reviewer. My career has focused on flood and coastal risk management, sustainable drainage and climate resilience across public and private sectors.
Based in North Wales, I am Director of Risk Management and Professional Development at Waterco Datrys, providing technical leadership in flood resilience, drainage strategy and sustainable infrastructure design. I previously spent 20 years in the public sector and held senior roles in multinational consultancies. I contribute to national policy as a member of the Welsh Government Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee.
North Wales has a proud engineering heritage shaped by pioneers such as Thomas Telford. If elected, I would be proud to represent the region on Council. I actively support mentoring, university lecturing and STEM outreach, and would strengthen links between industry and academia while promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and professional development for ICE members.
Proposed by: Robin Campbell, Keith Jones, Louise Duff, Mark Valentine, Philip Clisham.
