Sir Richard Olver — the former chairman of BAE Systems — is to be given one of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s most prestigious awards for his contributions to the organisation, particularly in engineering education. He
will receive the President’s Medal from Academy president Dame Ann Dowling at the annual Awards Dinner in London on 16 July.
From 2009 to 2014, Sir Richard was chairman of the Education for Engineering (E4E) Policy Group, an alliance bringing together over 30 engineering institutions to provide a single voice on all education policy affecting engineering.
Under his leadership, the Government commended E4E’s work, which included tackling the lack of data on engineering in the Further Education sector. He also persuaded the Business Department to drive increases in engineering advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships.
Sir Richard also informed the Prime Minister that school performance measures did not include the Engineering Diploma because of the teaching time required.
This resulted in the Government asking the Academy to develop “a more versatile suite of engineering qualifications covering the same curriculum”, which are now a central component of University Technical Colleges and will be adopted by many other schools.
Sir Richard also had a leading role in promoting the Academy and its work and in extending its networks. He joined the Academy’s Making things better campaign board in 2007 and played an important role in the expansion of its education and engagement activities. Until recently, he has also chaired the Engineering the Future alliance of professional engineering institutions and the Academy’s Development Advisory Board.
Sir Richard said: “I am honoured and privileged to receive this generous award. As with most successful things in human endeavour, it is the result of many people’s efforts. I would like to recognise the wonderful staff that worked with me over the last decade at the Royal Academy of Engineering and at BAE Systems.”