The announcement was made at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show taking place on 26-28 April 2016 at the NEC in Birmingham, and Beverley will officially take up her new role at SOE’s AGM on 19 July 2016.
The SOE Patron is responsible for raising the profile of the Society and its three professional sectors – the Institute of Road Transport Engineers, the Institution of Plant Engineers, and the Bureau of Engineer Surveyors - and its aims of promoting the advancement of engineering, supporting engineering professionals, and spearheading safety and compliance.
Beverley will take over from former FirstGroup chief executive and deputy chair Sir Moir Lockhead OBE, who has held the role of SOE Patron since 2013. During his time as SOE Patron, Sir Moir championed some significant developments for the Society, such as the appointment of an international representative to support SOE’s international growth, new irtec accreditation for light commercial vehicles, and a complete refurbishment of its London-based headquarters. As part of his legacy, SOE will also be launching the Sir Moir Lockhead Personal Safety Awards, which will recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional safety standards.
SOE president Shaun Stephenson comments: “On behalf of SOE and its employees, members, and board members, I would like to personally thank Sir Moir for his valued input over the past three years. He will continue his work with SOE’s leadership team to advise the Society on it continuing growth. 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.”
Sir Moir comments: ““It has been a privilege to have served as the Society’s Patron for the past three years. Since I started my engineering career over 50 years, ago, operations engineering has seen significant and far-reaching developments. I’m proud of how SOE continues to keep pace with this. I’d like to wish Beverley every success.”
Commenting on Beverley’s appointment, SOE managing director Ian Chisholm says: “It’s an honour to welcome Beverley Bell as SOE Patron. Her impressive background in ensuring standards and compliance will, I have no doubt, help ensure the Society’s continuing growth, further SOE’s aim of promoting and professionalising operations engineering, and continue the tremendous work that Sir Moir has done for the Society. ”
Beverley has been an honorary fellow of the Society of Operations Engineers since 2010 and is also a fellow (and the current president) of 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.
Beverley was appointed Traffic Commissioner for the North West of England in 2000, and in 2012 she was appointed Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain. This is a statutory role with responsibility for giving guidance and directions on a range of matters to commissioners, in consultation with stakeholders.
Beverley comments: “The Society has an important role to play as technology and working environments become more complicated, and requirements for engineering professionals become more stringent in line with this. I’m looking forward to taking a leading role in how SOE evolves to meet the changing needs of its members.”