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Could *I* be a spokesperson for the IET?

Andrew Banks
Hi all


Not sure where to post this, so I thought here was the best bet...


On page 4 of the May/June edition of "Member News" (click) was an article entitled Could you be a spokesperson for the IET? ​​​​​​​which stated:

We’d like to expand our network of media spokespersons to ensure we remain the go-to organisation for journalists.



I sent in an email to the specified address on 29th May... but three weeks on, no reply - not even "go away, you're unsuitable" ;-)


Am I just being impatient?

  • 0
    Hi Andrew,


    Great news that you would like to be put forward as a voluntary IET media spokesperson.


    I have replied to your initial email (apologies I have been on annual leave for a couple of weeks) and will be in touch again shortly with the next steps.


    Kind regards,

    Hannah Kellett

    External Communications Manager

  • 0
    Thank you Hannah...


    I have also received your email (and replied).


    Moderator(s) - please feel free to Lock this thread.
  • 0
    (I think the link should be https://www.theiet.org/membership/member-news/48/member-news-48.cfm?type=pdf )


    One question I have about this, which to be honest is why I've never volunteered for this: how is the process managed to ensure that it is clear that we are speaking on behalf of the IET and not in our professional capacity (i.e. on behalf of our employers)? It could work both ways, either presenting views which do not align with our employers, or being seen as being biased towards what's best for our employers? By definition, most of us who are likely to be valuable in this role will also be known within our industries.


    I know the marketing and communications department of my previous employer tried to come down very hard on any of us who dared to publically express views on that company's industry! Which for those whose profile is high enough such that they might be identified with the company does have a certain justification. 


    Thanks, Andy

  • 0
    Hi Andy,


    This is a great point and one we have to manage very carefully with our IET volunteer spokespersons. When giving a comment on behalf of the IET, you will be identified as an expert in your field and member of the IET, but we have to ensure there is no conflict of interest with your professional role/organisation you work for. In addition it could be channelling the expertise of our members behind the scenes, which is invaluable to us as well.


    Happy to discuss this further with you?


    Many thanks, Hannah


  • 0
    Andy has a very good point. This has always dissuaded me from being more publicly active with the IET.  In practice most engineers who work for big employers would find it difficult to speak to a topic that did not have links to their employers interests and therefore would always need their consent to any "publication".  I have always taken the view that I will do more of this once I retire but maybe there are better ways to handle this like the message being from a committee not an individual..

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