Introduction and background

What are the Channel Island Group of Professional Engineers?

The present group originated with the formation of a district group of the Institution of Electrical Engineers in 1961. It was subsequently felt that the interests of engineering generally could be better served locally if Civil and Mechanical Engineers joined to form a combined section.

A joint group was thus formed, and such was the interest shown by members of other Professional Institutions, then operating under the Engineering Institution Joint Council, that they too were accepted into the group in 1963.

To reflect this new group the name was changed to "The Channel Island Group of Professional Engineers" which includes all engineering disciplines from both the public and private sectors. At the Inaugural meeting which took place on the 16 April 1963, it was stated that the aims of the Group would be "To follow the professional and ethical codes laid down in the Charters of the sponsoring Institutions". The Group has followed these codes ever since and has, in more recent times, expanded its activities to include the provision of careers advice to potential engineers, with a local Schools Liason Officer who is in contact with the Institutions who are based in London.

What does the group do?

The group holds regular dinner meetings which includes a talk by a specialist in a particular engineering discipline. These are held on a monthly basis and cover a wide range of topics to appeal to the multidisciplinary membership of the Group. The current programme of talks is posted on this web page. Meetings are open to members and their guests, including partners, and are held between October and April with an AGM in January. Attendance at these lectures is also recognised as a contribution towards attaining recognised status within various institutions eg becoming a Chartered engineer.

The dinner is a set meal and is paid for by the member attending. It is entirely optional and many chose to attend only the talk although this misses the chance for informal discussion with the speaker and other diners which usually occurs both before and during dinner.

During May there is an annual dinner which is usually attended by the President, or his representative, of one of the sponsoring Institutions. This is a formal dinner with a guest speaker giving a presentation after the meal.

Whenever possible in June the Group organises a joint "Out of Island" visit to some project or site of Engineering interest and in July we also host a visit of the Civils sailing club to the Islands.

If you are a member, full details of all these events will be mailed to you in advance and your support for the prepared programme is welcomed.

How do I become a member of the Group?

Anyone who is a member of any of the recognised Professional Institutions and normally resident in the Islands, automatically become members of the Group. You do not need to do anything.

How much does it cost me?

Normally it will cost you nothing. The major Institutions agree to pay to the Group an annual subvention, funded from your membership fees to the Institutions, and this is paid without any action on your part. Some of the smaller Institutions have in the past refused to contribute to the group's funds and some of their members have chosen to pay and become individual members, but this is not obligatory.

How is the Group organised?

The Group is run by a committee elected annually which covers both the bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. For ease of administration the Group is sub-divided into two sections, one for each Bailiwick. Each section elects its own committee which comprises a Chairman (two year term), Secretary, Treasurer and not less than four or more than six ordinary members. (Full details of the rules appertaining to the Committee are available constitution.)

The Chairmanship of the combined Group alternates on an annual basis between the Bailiwicks with the Group Chairman for the year being the Section chairman of that Bailiwick's group. The chairman of the other bailiwick being the Group Chairman designate.

The combined Group hold committee meetings twice a year with an AGM in January and the second meeting in September.

Whom do I contact for information?

At the commencement of each year following the AGM you will be sent the programme for the year which also lists all committee members. Should you wish to know more about the group or its programme please contact the secretary or contact any committee member who will be pleased to help you.