With reference to Ian Brown’s letter (BSj 04/05), I found it hard to believe that a member could be in such ignorance of the present state of his institution which has made profound changes since he left a decade ago.

CIBSE was amongst the first, if not the first, engineering profession body to achieve ISO9000, a mark of consistent achievement with regard to our procedures. In addition, training for interviewers has been introduced and an international register is now centrally held giving details of the qualification and training each interviewer and their interviewing record.

Large numbers of candidates attend briefing sessions held around the country at which they have the opportunity to speak face to face with interviewers, to question their methods and test the quality for themselves, in advance of applying for peer review.

As validation of all our efforts in the area of quality assurance, we are routinely monitored by the Engineering Council UK. A fully trained representative sits in on membership meetings and is privy to the whole membership process. We are also regularly externally audited by ECUK – not five yearly as Mr Brown may recall. In 2004, we have precise evidence that of 451 new elections and transfers to member, fellow and associate grade, just below 1% were subject to appeal.

I can imagine the dismay of all those active members, including first-rate academics, who give their time and expertise so freely on reading Ian Brown’s letter. A small number of retired members do continue to support our work, and the depth of their expertise is of enormous benefit, but they are very much in the minority. I am pleased to say that industry, despite all the demands it faces, is prepared to allow valuable staff to participate in the work of CIBSE. The institution achieves great things because of them and they gain much in return.

I hope that 10 years’ hard work will not be set back by one ill informed correspondent. I also hope that the increasing number of young, talented engineers who are applying for membership will not be put off but will see and testify for themselves to the high standards required of and evidenced by all concerned with membership of CIBSE.

Graham Manly CEng FCIBSE MInstR, immediate past president, CIBSE

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Building Sustainable Design