Engineers rank among Britain’s most trusted: 9 in 10 believe they tell the truth

90% of people across the country trust engineers to tell the truth, according to the latest Ipsos Veracity Index – putting the profession just behind nurses (92%) and ahead of doctors (85%).

The 2025 Ipsos Veracity Index, published today, reveals that engineers are still one of the most trusted professions in the country for the second year running. Despite small declines for many other professions, engineers have maintained an exceptional trust score of 90%, meaning nine in ten people trust engineers to tell the truth, reinforcing engineers' reputation for integrity and professionalism. 

For the seventh year, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Ipsos partnered to include engineers in the Index, which has tracked public trust in professions since the 1980s. According to research from EngineeringUK engineers make up 19.3% (around a fifth) of the UK workforce, and play a vital role in tacking global challenges, from climate change to technological advancement*.

IET President, Dawn Ohlson CEng FIET said: “Engineers play a vital role in shaping the world around us, from the technologies that underpin daily life to the innovative solutions tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainability. The fact that nine in ten people trust engineers to tell the truth is a strong endorsement of the profession’s integrity and the value it brings to society.

“This level of trust is not something we take for granted. It reflects the professionalism and responsibility that engineers demonstrate every day, and it is essential as we work to inspire the next generation and address the significant skills gap across the UK. Engineering offers exciting, impactful careers, and this recognition from the public reinforces why we need more people to join the profession and help us build a better future.”

While trust in engineers is high across all demographics, the Index shows slightly lower levels among younger people (16-24), those in social grades DE, and people who are not working. However, even in these groups, distrust rarely exceeds 10%.

At the other end of the scale, social media influencers (6%), politicians (9%) and Government Ministers (14%) remain the least trusted professions.

To find out more visit https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/ipsos-veracity-index-2025.

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Notes to editors:

Source: * ADD IN ENGUK info / source

Source: *Press release: EngineeringUK releases updated workforce data

About the Ipsos Veracity Index

The Ipsos Veracity Index is an annual poll that has measured the trustworthiness of professions in Britain since 1983. 

Ipsos interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,022 British adults aged 16+. Interviews were conducted by telephone between 5 and 11 November 2025. Data is weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.

About the IET

• We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.     
• We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth means we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.     
• We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.    
• Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.    
• For more information, visit www.theiet.org.    
• Follow the IET on LinkedIn and Instagram via @TheIET / @InstitutionofEngineeringandTechnology.    

Media enquiries to:

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications & PR Lead
E: rgillick@theiet.org 

Megan Stearn
Senior Communications Executive
E: meganstearn@theiet.org