Have your say on proposed changes to the East Midlands' branch committees

When I became chair of the East Midlands Regional Committee last year, one of my aims was to find ways to better engage and support members, particularly at branch level.

The East Midlands represents around 3,500 members across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire and Rutland.

The region currently has three active branch committees:

• North Nottingham and North Derbyshire (NNND)
• Nottingham, Leicester and Derby (NLD)
• Lincolnshire

Since the pandemic, there has been a marked change in member behaviour.

Half of members reported a preference for ICE online knowledge events, but just as many want the option to network face-to-face too.

Finding the solution

I set up a Task and Finish Group, which included the existing branch committee chairs, to consider how we could:

• Provide members with greater access to relevant CPD events
• Supply a broader and more inclusive range of topics and speakers, in line with the ICE strategy
• Ensure events are put on across the whole region
• Offer more flexibility to fit around members’ demanding work and personal commitments
• Use our volunteer members’ time more efficiently and effectively

The Task and Finish Group identified that a good solution would be to merge the separate branch committees into one central Knowledge and Networking Committee.

Have your say

As this is a proposed change that affects members, I wanted to ensure that you have the opportunity to vote on it.

Therefore, we will hold a vote at the upcoming ICE East Midlands Annual General Meeting, taking place on 22 September online.

If approved, this change would mark a significant step forward in how the region connects, collaborates and shares expertise.

What would the new committee do?

The proposed new Knowledge and Networking Committee will bring together members of the current branch committees into a single forum.

The new committee’s aim will be to deliver a balanced programme of online and in-person events across the whole region. They will all align with the ICE Plan and cover a diverse range of topics.

Whether you’re looking for technical insights, soft skills development or in-person site visits, the goal is to offer something for all those across the region and beyond, where possible.

A single committee would make the most of volunteer’s contributions through a clear, focused approach.

What about the existing committee members?

If the change is accepted, all current branch committee members will be invited to join the new Knowledge and Networking Committee. This will ensure they continue to play a pivotal role in sharing local perspectives.

In addition, any members who would like to join the new committee are welcome to apply.

What this means for members

This new committee has the potential to drive the delivery of higher-impact events across the region, making this more valuable for ICE members.

The new committee structure would provide easier access to opportunities, networking and professional growth

The biggest benefit for members will be greater efficiency in organising branch events.

This change would reflect how the civil engineering profession is evolving.

Consultants, contractors and engineers are no longer limited to local projects. People work across regions and even globally.

This new structure would acknowledge this shift and ensure programming is relevant, responsive and aligned with how civil engineers work today.

Please get in touch with [email protected] for more information.