Balfour Beatty sub agent scoops 2024 James Rennie Medal

Joe Roper, sub agent at Balfour Beatty, has won this year’s James Rennie Medal.

The medal recognises the best Chartered Professional Review (CPR) candidate of the year.

Roper was awarded the prize for presenting his journey to successfully achieving a contract incentive milestone involving deep foundation installation in the HS2 Area North Project in 2022.

Roper was shortlisted for the prize alongside two other candidates deemed to have shown exceptional qualities in their CPR last year – Kit Wolverson of Mott MacDonald and Victor Pavanelli Lira of Stantec.

In a ceremony held at the ICE’s One Great George Street headquarters, finalists presented their CPR reports and underwent rigorous questioning from industry experts.

This was followed by a vibrant question and answer session with ICE members.

For the fifth consecutive year, the award was also streamed to a global audience on the ICE website.

'What an amazing feeling!'

In his award-winning presentation, Roper explored how learnings from the HS2 Area North Project had shaped him as a civil engineer.

He commented on how it led to the successful delivery of a 72-day rail blockade amid a number of challenges.

On being selected by the judges as the winner of this year’s medal and £1,000 top prize, he said: “Wow, what an amazing feeling. After years of hard work, it’s great to be recognised with the medal.

“It’s a true testament to the people that have supported me in getting to this position.”

'Another fantastic year'

In his closing summary, competition judge Darren James stressed that the high standard of this year’s entries had made selecting a winner difficult.

James said: “2024 has proven to be another fantastic year for the James Rennie Medal. Joe was a very powerful winner amongst the three finalists, and he should be really proud.

“The friends, families and colleagues of all three should reflect on how exceptional they have been just to get to this stage.”

Aiming for professional qualification?

The James Rennie Medal celebrates the role of newly chartered civil engineers, including CPR and CPR (Progressive) candidates.

The CPR (Progressive) is for candidates who have already passed an Incorporated Professional Review and are aiming to become chartered.

The ICE's professional qualifications – Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer – command respect.

Those aiming to become professionally qualified who need advice on next steps should contact the ICE's membership support team for help.

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