Engineering Council

RSC has oversight of matters to do with the education, training and professional development of professional engineers and technicians.  It is responsible for the standard of competence and commitment, and the underpinning knowledge and understanding requirements for professional registration.  This includes publishing the Registration Code of Practice that aligns with the requirements set out in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), the ICTTech Standard and the Accreditation of HE Programmes manual .  All these standards and requirements are kept under review by RSC, and recommendations for change are made to the Board.  RSC comprises nominees from professional engineering institutions, including academics and those from industry, which enables the building and sharing of knowledge and good practice, and ensures that the Engineering Council is kept abreast of issues relating to the education and professional development of professional engineers and technicians.

QAC is responsible for licensing professional engineering institutions where they are considered competent to assess candidates for professional registration, and evaluate academic courses and professional development programmes for accreditation, against UK-SPEC. This involves monitoring the performance of engineering institutions, reviewing and making appropriate changes to QAC policies and processes, and encouraging information exchange between institutions, whilst maintaining an overview of licence related issues. QAC also approves suitable bodies as Professional Affiliates. QAC is comprised of volunteer members nominated by the licensed institutions who are registrants of suitable standing and experience.  Efforts are made to maintain a balance of institutions on QAC in proportion to their number of registrants.

IAP is responsible for advising on matters that have an impact on the global recognition of Engineering Council standards and the international mobility of engineering professionals. This involves advising on the international promotion of the national register, updating the Board on relevant international developments, guiding the Engineering Council’s international activity and identifying suitable representatives of the UK engineering profession to join international committees. IAP acts as the National Monitoring Committee for FEANI registration purposes and as the responsible Committee for the UK section of International Registers.  IAP also promotes the flow of communications between the Engineering Council and the institutions on international matters. IAP comprises nominees from professional engineering institutions, including academics and those from industry, with international experience and expert knowledge of mobility issues affecting professional engineers and technicians.

PCGP is responsible for the regular review of the Charter, Bye-Laws and Regulations of the Engineering Council, and making proposals for change to the Board. The Panel also advises the Board on responses made to requests for advice from the Privy Council Office and other government departments on matters concerning the constitution of relevant Institutions and responds to requests from professional engineering institutions for advice on constitution, governance and disciplinary procedures. This work also involves publishing and reviewing guidance on disciplinary procedures and consulting with licensed members on significant proposed changes to policies or procedures. PCGP also considers representations from professional engineering institutions, registrants or members of the public concerning the conduct of institutions or registrants and determine whether, and if so how, appeal proceedings should take place.  PCGP comprises suitable nominees from the Board, together with advisors to assist in this work of the Panel.

FARP has responsibility for keeping the financial management of the Engineering Council under review. Through the delegated authority of the Board it approves variations to expenditure and investment policy within established limits. The Panel advises the Board and CEO on financial services; monthly management accounts; remuneration; staff pensions; subscription and fees policies; the annual budget, report and accounts; risk assessment policy; audit reports; delegated financial authorities; and the business continuity plan.

The Group B and C Panel is an advisory panel of the Engineering Council Board providing a forum for the exchange of information and good practice with respect to membership and registration matters and to discuss pan-engineering issues of joint concern and where appropriate provide focus for campaigns or lobbying and the dissemination of a collective view. The Panel also provides a platform for organisations and individuals to present topics of common interest, including identifying and implementing opportunities for co-operation between institutions for mutual benefit and the public good.