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About Birmingham Network

A Message from the Immediate Past Chairman

May I extend a very warm welcome to all members and supporters of the IET in the Birmingham area.

Birmingham has always been in the forefront of change within the Institution, and I would like to thank my predecessor, Ian Graves, for the work he did in challenging the status quo and in reforming the working practices of the Birmingham Team. I like to think that I have consolidated this position over the last two years, providing a foundation for ongoing evolution.

The formation of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), by merging the former Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE), brought some challenges and some opportunities.

I was delighted to be the first chairman of the IET Birmingham Local Network, and the Birmingham Team have worked hard to capitalise on the benefits that the merger has brought, by drawing on the strengths of members from both of the former bodies. Although I had always intended to hand over the reins as the 2007-2008 session comes to a close, I now find myself needing to do so sooner, and so I would like to take this opportunity to be the first to congratulate Gavin Crook on his appointment as Chairman, IET Birmingham.

As Development Officer and Vice Chairman, Gavin has worked with me tirelessly over the last few years, providing the driving force behind many of our initiatives, and I am sure he will bring fresh energy to the leadership of IET Birmingham.

The Birmingham Team will continue to work in close collaboration with other Engineering Institutions and the IET's Technical and Professional Networks, and I know that Gavin will continue his work building relationships with all our local universities.

IET Birmingham will continue to host the Midlands Power Group, an autonomous team that promotes the special interests of all Power Engineers in the Midlands Region. There are also 3 other well established specialist groups that operate across the Midlands Region - Midlands Communications Group, Midlands IT Network and Midlands Manufacturing Group.

If you feel that you would like to support the activities of your Local Network (or any of the other Midlands Groups) please contact Gavin, myself, or any of our colleagues in the Birmingham Team. Any assistance you are able to give would be much appreciated, and you will find existing members of the Birmingham Team will guide and support you as you make new friends within our dynamic and progressive Team.

In the increasingly technological age in which we all live, some would question the reason for Local Networks. Come along to one of our increasingly successful events and you will experience the stimulation of live performances, discussions and enthusiastic debates with fellow professionals in a way that electronic communications cannot match. Yet?

I hope you will join me in wishing Gavin every success as the Chairman of IET Birmingham.

John.

John E. Barnett BSc CEng FIET

Past Chairman

IET Birmingham Local Network

Introduction

IET Birmingham is located in Austin Court (for directions see link on the right menu), the IET's conference centre in Birmingham.

In the Birmingham area, the IET provides a range of lectures and meetings covering electrical, electronic and manufacturing engineering;

• provides information and assistance on career development, and a Continuing Professional Development programme;

• encourages young people to join the profession through visits to local schools and colleges by the Schools Education and Liaison Service and public lectures;

• provides a programme of events especially for and organised by the Younger Members.

Birmingham Network events can be seen clicking on the Events link. Do you have an idea for an event? Do you know a good speaker? Let us know what you want.

If you have a clear idea for an event which the IET Birmingham Network could host, please contact us. Give a brief synopsis of what you want, if you know of a relevant speaker mention them, and tell us what size of audience you would expect. One of our Event Coordinators will be in touch if we take you idea forward.

Regional Coverage

The following UK postcodes are within the boundaries of the IET's Birmingham Local Network:

Members whose principal address is on this list automatically become members of IET Birmingham. However, if this does not suit your circumstances, there are alternatives:

Transfers

You may elect to become a member of any Local Network of your choice. In addition to receiving local programme and other information, full membership of the Network carries with it the right to vote for the Network Committee.

Honorary membership

You may elect to become an "Honorary Member" of any other Network (or Networks) of your choice. In this case, you will retain the right to vote for the Committee of your home Network, additionally you will receive programme and other information from all the Networks. Honorary membership is particularly valuable to those who live within the territory of one Network and work within the territory of another.

Please contact us if you wish to do either of these things

SEE ALSO:

Nearby networks

• Coventry and Warwickshire
• North West Midlands
• Shropshire

OTHER INTERNET RESOURCES:

From the IET

• IET Connect
• Discussion forums
• Professional development
• Mentoring
• Membership
• Awards and scholarships