As 2019 starts to draw to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers for their support and hard work.

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For the Society to successfully deliver on our charitable objectives, it simply would not happen if it wasn’t for the commitment of our volunteer community. As a volunteer myself I know how hard it can be sometimes to find the reserves of time and energy for activity that goes beyond the boundaries of our regular routines. I also know how rewarding and fulfilling it can be as well, and I truly hope that all our volunteers get back as much as they put into the Society.

As we begin to anticipate the end of the year, it is encouraging to note the progress made by the Society in key areas of activity in 2019. Our flagship accreditation services for engineering technicians (irtec) and maintenance workshops continue to enjoy high demand, fulfilling the charitable object of the Society to improve the skills and competence of operations engineers, while raising standards of public safety. The annual Commercial Vehicle Show also had another very successful year with 421 exhibitors participating and over 19,000 visitors attending the show.

Professional registration with the Engineering Council and the Society for the Environment continues to attract a high level of interest with over 300 candidates successfully achieving professional registration in 2019.

We are starting to look forward to 2020 and the SOE Board are keen that we build on the successes of 2019 and continue to improve and develop the services we offer our members. A key development in the next few months will be the launch of our new online CPD system, designed to support all our members with their ongoing professional development.

We will also continue to develop online tools, content and information to support our volunteers as they deliver a range of activities on behalf of the Society. Your feedback is vital as we improve the support we provide our volunteers, so do please let us know if there is anything missing that you feel would help you in your volunteering role.

One of the pleasures of my role is being able to get out of the office and meet with our members and volunteers. Two highlights this year was a visit to our North London center to attend a presentation on tyre safety and a trip to our Northern center to attend their annual dinner dance. It was great to see such obvious enthusiasm and commitment to the activities and purposes of the Society.

A new government may bring considerable change in 2020. Who knows! Whatever the political landscape the Society will continue to evolve and develop to ensure that we are still delivering on the wider public benefits that lie at the heart of our charitable objectives. I do hope that you will continue to support and work with us as we continue the journey in the year ahead.