SOE: A step ahead of the law

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Monday, 10, Sep 2007 12:00

In today’s lawsuit-friendly world, it is vital that engineers understand the need for high professional standards in all aspects of their everyday practice. The SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), a membership organisation for engineers, is holding a professional witness training course in November, to provide attendees with the foundation to reinforce their work in a legal environment.

Bond Solon Training, a legal instruction consultancy for non-lawyers, has developed the programme that provides engineers with the protocols to strengthen their evidence should litigation occur.

Penny Harper, a Solicitor and Director at Bond Solon, believes that delegates will appreciate that their records, advice and decisions can often be scrutinized in the legal process. Engineers must have the confidence to participate in legal proceedings where necessary, and work to the best practice standards. This ensures that should a problem arise, their organisation will be able to produce solid evidence.

SOE’s Head of Technical Services, Ian Chisholm, says of the training: “We feel it key that engineers need to understand the legal framework in which they operate, and are able to conduct themselves in their professional or investigative role in a competent manner.”

The two-day training programme, due to be held at SOE’s Head Office in London on the 13 and 14 November 2007, introduces delegates to the core competencies necessary to conduct effective investigations. These include:

• Analysis of legal responsibility and accountability

• Accountability within the organisation and for the individual

• Understanding the importance of records as an integral part of professional practice

• Distinguishing between facts, assumptions and opinions

• How to justify decisions and recommendations

• Plenary sessions, role-play and discussion to highlight key points

• Experience how their decisions and professional practice may be questioned

• Develop the skills to demonstrate how their practices, recommendations/advice or decisions were justifiable

For further details and to book, please visit www.soe.org.uk. Alternatively, contact Emma Mann at SOE on 020 7630 1111, or by email at emma.mann@soe.org.uk.

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Editor’s notes:

SOE (Society of Operations Engineers)

SOE is a professional membership organisation that represents around 17,000 individuals and companies in the engineering industry. The SOE has three professional sectors – IRTE, IPlantE and BES (see below for more details. The Society promotes safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable operations engineering to the benefit of the community at large, through the support of best practice and health and safety initiatives, a commitment to the professional development of its members and by influencing legislation and design.

The SOE is online at www.soe.org.uk and www.myspace.com/engineeringsuccess

IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers)

IRTE, one of the most respected names in UK transport, was founded in 1944 and is recognised as an impartial voice of the industry. It encourages high standards of excellence with an emphasis on safety in operation, demonstrated by its research and education programme for members and industry. The IRTE is also a partner in the CV Show, alongside the RHA and SMMT.

IRTE members come from a wide variety of transport-related roles including apprentices and technicians in the light and heavy and bus and coach sectors, workshop managers, fleet engineers, transport managers and company directors.

BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors)

BES was established in 1965 as a specialist technical organisation for engineer surveyors to keep up-to-date with relevant technical information. Engineer surveyors independently assess plant and machinery for legal compliance and technical risk. BES activities are also of interest to building services engineers, technical health and safety professionals and those involved in engineering facilities.

IPlantE (Institution of Plant Engineers)

The IPlantE was founded in 1946 and is the Professional Sector for engineers, technicians and those with an interest in the specification, installation, operation and maintenance of industrial plant and services.

IPlantE members represent a huge range of engineering-related activities including static and rotating plant, industrial installation, mobile plant, power generation and distribution, utilities, system design, construction, production and maintenance and repair.

irtec

irtec (the ‘i' should always be in lower case) is a renewable voluntary testing and assessment scheme that certifies the theoretical and practical skills of heavy goods and light commercial vehicle technicians (the irtec licensing scheme was developed as a collaboration between the IRTE and many stakeholders in industry). An irtec licence proves a commitment to safety and demonstrable professional development by both the technician and employer.

irtec licences are awarded at three levels, depending on the candidate’s skills and experience. Once an irtec licence is issued, the technician is listed on a national register and is bound by a code of conduct.

Further details are available from the irtec website at www.irtec.org.uk.