John Lorriman: Honouring a 50-year journey of volunteering at the IET
John Lorriman
Spanning an extraordinary 50 years, John Lorriman’s long-standing work as an IET volunteer reads like a passport filled with an impressive collection of stamps.
A retired engineer, IET Fellow and a former Local Network Chair, John has dedicated his time at every level – from supporting local events and mentoring to taking part in global accreditation visits and international outreach.
In this feature, we celebrate his exceptional volunteering journey and achievements and how they have shaped both his life and the engineering community.
Volunteering became a natural extension
John first took an interest in volunteering in the 1970s when he joined the IEE (the predecessor of the IET) while working at GEC Telecommunications in Cambridge. After, he was soon encouraged to take on a role with what is now known as the IET Birmingham Local Network. He later chaired the network, became a Fellow at the IET in 1987, and then went on to chair the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Network, where he still serves today.
Building expertise through accreditation and mentoring
In the 1980s, a former graduate trainee invited him to join, and later, chair the IEE’s CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Committee. This coincided with a significant career change as he transitioned into self‑employment as a consultant. However, the value of being a part of IEE network quickly became clear, opening doors to international CPD work and collaborations in Hong Kong, Malaysia and beyond.
In 1985, John received a prestigious Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship, enabling him to travel to Japan to study engineering education and training. This experience sparked a long-term involvement in accrediting graduate training schemes; work he continues today.
He also remains closely connected to the Professional Development Operations Committee, often meeting familiar faces, including the current IET President, Dawn Ohlson.
Mentoring was at the heart of it all
Mentoring has always been central to John’s volunteering. At GEC Telecoms, he helped set up a large mentoring programme for graduates, students and apprentices, directly contributing to the IEE’s first mentoring pilots. These early initiatives eventually evolved into the IET’s global Mentoring Service.
In 2007, he received the IEE Mentoring Service Award and later supported international mentoring events including in Cyprus. Today, he continues to mentor actively, supporting two members progressing toward CEng.
Supporting members throughout their careers
Since the mid‑1990s, John has played a key role in supporting fellow members throughout their professional journeys. From conducting Professional Review Interviews to supporting Routes to Registration events across multiple Local Networks and helping transition these events online during the pandemic – his impact reached hundreds of members far and wide.
Looking back
Now retired, John spends his much of his time gardening and travelling. After receiving a heart valve replacement and cutting‑edge pacemaker, he jokes that his IET volunteering is even cited in his medical records as proof he’s “doing rather well”.
Reflecting on his journey, he says: “Volunteering with the IEE and IET has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
We continue to thank him for his dedicated service as a long‑standing volunteer at the IET.
Read more of John’s remarkable story at engx.theiet.org.