Institution of Electrical Engineers
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- Not to be confused with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE, I-triple-E).
The Institution of Electrical Engineers or IEE (pronounce: I-double-E or I-E-E) is a British professional organisation for electronics, electrical, manufacturing and IT professionals. It was founded in 1871 and is the largest professional engineering society in Europe, having a worldwide membership of around 120,000.
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Purpose and function
The IEE represents the engineering profession in matters of public concern and assists governments to make the public aware of technological issues. It also provides advice on all areas of engineering, regularly advising Parliament and other agencies.
The IEE also grants Chartered Engineer professional designations on behalf of the Engineering Council UK, equivalent to North American Professional Engineer designations, but with often a far greater geographical recognition.
This is made possible through a number of networks for engineers established by the IEE including the Professional Networks, worldwide groups of engineers sharing common technical and professional interests. Through the IEE website, these networks provide up-to-date sector-specific news, stock a library of technical articles and give members the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas with peer groups through dedicated discussion forums. Particular areas of focus include education, IT, energy and the environment.
The IEE has an educational role, seeking to support its members through their careers, producing advice and guidance at all levels to secure the future of engineering.
For example, the IEE accredits degree courses worldwide in subjects relevant to electrical, electronic, manufacturing and information engineering. In addition, it secures funding for professional development schemes for engineering graduates including awards scholarships, grants and prizes.
The current president (2005-2006) is Sir John Chisholm FREng MA.
The IEE runs the bibliographic information service Inspec and publishes books, journals, magazines, and conference proceedings.
Formation of the IET
Discussions started in 2004 between the IEE and the IIE about the formation of a new institution, the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Both institutions put the merger to the vote in September 2005. IEE members voted 73.5% in favour and so a petition was made to the Privy Council. The petition was allowed in December 2005 and the IET finally became operational on 31 March 2006.
Bundled together with the IET transition changes were a proposed new draft Charter and Bye-laws. These had not been seen previously and approximately 250 members signed a petition calling for them to be reviewed by a working party. Therefore a further SGM on 22nd March 2006 was called by the institution and this approved the establishment of a working party.