Public trust in UK engineers remains high
11th January 2024
The engineering profession remains one of the most trusted in Great Britain, according to the latest Ipsos Veracity Index.
85% of British people who were interviewed by Ipsos in November 2023 indicated that they trusted engineers to tell the truth, placing the profession in the top five for trust. Engineers placed level with doctors, after nurses (88%) airplane pilots (87%), and librarians (86%).
The Ipsos Veracity Index is the longest running poll on professional trust in Britain, and against a context of some sizeable declines for other professions, shows that the trustworthiness of engineers has consistently been rated very highly by the public since the profession was first recognised by the poll in 2018.
IChemE President Nigel Hirst said: “The professionalism, high ethical standards, and technical excellence demonstrated by the engineering disciplines over decades has earned respect and trust from the public. Chemical and process engineers are uniquely placed to contribute to the delivery of a sustainable future for us all, and the confidence and trust that society has in our professional expertise enables us to lead the safe, ethical and sustainable practical application of new and emerging technologies. The positive impact that chemical engineers make while engineering a sustainable world is clearly being recognised by the society that we serve, which is very encouraging.
“I believe that professional registration is a key factor to this high trust placed in engineers, as it demonstrates technical competence, commitment, and advanced responsibility to employers and the public at large, as well as providing evidence of a sustained period of training, work and assessment on maintaining and improving the vital skills required to meet society’s technological and scientific needs.
“We are continuously looking at ways to enhance our membership processes, remove barriers, improve access and simplify our systems, while maintaining standards. Engineering is a highly mobile profession, and IChemE qualifications are recognised internationally. Becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) or Fellow (FIChemE) is the gold standard in chemical and process engineering, and one that I would encourage you to aspire to in 2024.”
You can find out more about IChemE membership grades, professional registrations, and mentoring support by visiting our membership area or emailing membersupport@icheme.org.
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Contact
For more information please contact:
Ann Baylis, Communications Executive and PR Lead, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534477
e: abaylis@icheme.org
Dan Owens, Communications Executive, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534458
e: dowens@icheme.org
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 30,000 members in more than 100 countries.