Paul Bailey has been appointed as the new CEO of the
Engineering Council, the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession, following the retirement of Alasdair Coates. Mr Bailey has been the deputy CEO and operations director at the Engineering Council for over eight years, prior to which he was deputy CEO at the
Royal Aeronautical Society.
He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to lead the Engineering Council and I look forward to continuing working with all our stakeholders, particularly our registrants and the professional engineering institutions, to position professional registration as a cornerstone of an innovative and forward-looking industry.
“I am dedicated to continuing our focus on key societal matters, such as diversity and inclusion, ethics and sustainability, as we continue to ensure there are no barriers to professional recognition. In a rapidly changing and increasingly innovative industry, it is vital we can provide the means for engineers and technicians to demonstrate their competence and commitment as they constantly develop and improve their skills.
“The Engineering Council plays a very important role in regulating and promoting the engineering profession and I will be focused on working with the Board of Trustees, volunteers, stakeholders, and our excellent staff team to help deliver our strategic objectives and build on our many achievements.”
In a statement that was echoed by incoming chair Professor John Chudley, Professor Chris Atkin, the current chair of the Engineering Council, said: “After a detailed and thorough selection process, Paul’s understanding of the engineering profession’s key issues, including diversity and inclusion, sustainability, digital innovation and governance, coupled with the role the regulator can play in helping address these, really stood out.
“Paul’s experience working in a number of previous roles within a professional engineering institution and the Engineering Council will provide the understanding and leadership required to work collaboratively with stakeholders to help to continually develop the profession.”
Mr Coates concluded: “Paul brings to the role a great depth of knowledge with respect to regulation and the professional engineering landscape, and I have confidence that his appointment will ensure the successful delivery of the Engineering Council’s strategy for stakeholders, registrants, and the professional engineering community.”