She was officially inaugurated at the society’s AGM last week (19 July 2016), taking the reins from Sir Moir who has seen significant developments, including: a near 10% growth in SOE membership, led by IRTE, over the last year alone; the launch of irtec accreditation for LCV technicians; and the opening of the SOE’s refurbished London HQ.
“The Society has an important role to play as technology and working environments become more complicated, and requirements for engineering professionals become more stringent,” states Bell.
“I’m looking forward to taking a leading role in how SOE evolves to meet the changing needs of its members,” she adds.
Bell has been an honorary fellow of the SOE since 2010 and is also a fellow (and former president) of CILT (the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport).
She was admitted as a solicitor in 1985 and established her own practice in 1990, specialising in criminal and transport law. She was appointed Traffic Commissioner for the North West of England in 2000, and in 2012 promoted to Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain.
“It is an honour to welcome Beverley Bell as SOE Patron,” comments SOE managing director Ian Chisholm.
“Her impressive background in ensuring standards and compliance will help ensure the SOE’s continuing growth, further our aim of promoting and professionalising operations engineering, and continue the tremendous work that Sir Moir has done for the Society.”
“On behalf of SOE ... I would like to personally thank Sir Moir for his valued input over the past three years,” states SOE president Shaun Stephenson.
“He will continue his work with SOE’s leadership team ... and departs with the launch of the Sir Moir Lockhead Safety Award.
“SOE is now entering a new chapter in its development, and Beverley will bring tremendous experience and energy to our organisation. I am personally very excited about working with her.”