Governance

Jane Power FIRSE became the 100th President of the Institution on 25 April 2024

Jane has over 30 years experience in signalling principles and design for major projects. She is currently working for Transport for London on the Four Lines Modernisation Project (4LM).  

Jane says "The theme for my Presidential year is 'Power to the People'.  There are three strands to this theme, they are: 

• Technology is coming: as technology is getting smarter we need smart engineers to understand the capabilities and constraints of what is available in order to maximise its potential
• Unsung heroes: while we get excited about the latest developments and technology, the people are just as important.  They contribute a huge amount to the safety and operation of our railways and signalling systems.  The Presidential lecture series is entitled 'Unsung Heroes' and will shine a light on some the perhaps under-appreciated areas of our industry.
• Volunteers: the IRSE is an institution primarily run by engineers for engineers - I want to continue the work of those that have gone before me and ensure that volunteers are engaged and appreciated." 

The IRSE Council is the governing body of the Institution. The role of Council and the duties of Council members are defined in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Institution, but in summary, they make decisions on behalf of the members, as appropriate, in the running of the Institution, and generally have to ensure that the objectives for which the Institution has been established are progressed in a professional and satisfactory manner.

They are the Trustees of the Institution, which is a Registered Charity in England & Wales, and are also Company Directors, since the Institution is also registered as a UK company limited by guarantee. Certain local rules which are agreed by Council but sit outside the Memorandum and Articles of Association can be found in the Bye-Laws approved from time to time by Council. The current Bye-Laws can be found here.

Council members are elected by the corporate members of the Institution, i.e. Fellows, Members and Associate Members, for two year terms, and they can stand for election for subsequent terms if they wish to do so, as defined in the Articles referred to above. The results of the election process are announced at the Institution’s Annual General Meeting held in April and are reported in IRSE News.

The Council is supported by a number of principal Committees. Click here to view an explanatory diagram of these Committees.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Council a guidance document can be accessed here.