Building a more connected IET: A message from our President, Dawn Ohlson

As we reach the halfway point of the year, I’ve been reflecting on the many conversations and moments of connection I’ve had with members across our community. One of the things I’ve always cherished about the IET - throughout my 25 years as a volunteer - is the wide mix of experiences and perspectives within our membership. That diversity feels especially visible this year, and it’s a reminder of just how strong our community is. 

Strengthening our foundations 

Over the past few years, we’ve also been strengthening the foundations that support our members - updating systems, improving how we work across teams, and refining some of the processes and structures that sit behind your experience of the IET. Much of this work has taken place in the background, and as it settles, we hope the benefits - clearer communication, steadier processes and more joined up support - will become increasingly visible. These improvements aren’t an end point; they simply give us a stronger foundation to serve our global community well. 

A year to celebrate our volunteers 

2026 is our Year of Volunteering, and it’s been a real pleasure to meet so many of you who give your time to support others. But volunteering isn’t something separate or on the side - it’s part of who we are as a membership. Whether you come along to events, help others progress in their careers, take part in technical discussions, or simply share your enthusiasm for engineering with the people around you, you contribute to the life and energy of the IET. 

Over the past year, that shared effort has been easy to see. Volunteers supported more than 2,000 people on their journey toward registration or Fellowship and helped deliver an extraordinary range of activities across our networks. From outreach and local programmes to shaping Codes and Guidance, and inspiring young people through FIRST® LEGO® League, these achievements reflect the commitment our whole membership brings to the profession. 

Celebrating women in engineering 

Looking ahead, International Women in Engineering Day on 23 June is an important moment for all of us. It’s a chance to celebrate the women in our profession and to help open more doors for those who will follow. My own career was shaped by people who created space for me when it mattered, and I know many of you will have similar stories. I’d love to see members get involved in whatever way feels right - share an example of a woman whose work deserves to be seen, support someone through mentoring, highlight achievements within your networks, or take part in local outreach. Even small actions can make a real difference when we take them collectively. 

One of the real joys of my presidential year so far has been meeting members from around the world. In late February I visited several of our Local Networks in India and Sri Lanka, spending time with volunteers and hearing about their work and ideas. Those conversations stay with me - they’re a vivid reminder of the passion and generosity that runs through our global membership. They’ve also given me plenty to reflect on, and I’m looking forward to bringing those ideas into the months ahead, including at our Volunteer Festival later this year. 

A future built on connection 

As we move into the second half of 2026, it’s clear this year is already shaping up to be a pivotal one for our organisation. The foundations we’ve laid - along with a renewed focus on member and volunteer experience - are giving us the momentum to move forward with purpose.  

There is so much to look forward to, and I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are continuing to build a more connected, ambitious and inclusive engineering community for the generations that follow.