b'4 Partner News Summer 2020IET updatesThe Concordat: An update from IET President Dr Peter Bonfield OBEWe sat down with Peter halfway through his presidential year to discuss the success of his Concordat initiative and what he believes the next steps are. So, first of all, what is the Concordatfor companies to show their workforce that and where did it come from?they believe in supporting their development. The Concordat derived from a series ofOver 65 companies have currently signed roundtables held last year with industrythe Concordat, from some of the biggest and Professional Engineering Institutioncompanies in the UK to a variety of SMEs, (PEI) leaders, we came together tothe initiative has shown the willingness of assess the needs of industry and howindustry to commit to its staff. PEIs can play a role in supporting not only companies, but the engineers andIt must be good to see so many technicians within them.companies signing the Concordat and how it matches the goals for your The result of these roundtables was thepresidential year? Concordat, jointly signed by the IET andIt is great to see the high uptake and industry Partners with both re-affirmingalso the diversity of the companies and encouraging commitment to raisingwho have come on board. I want to use standards. Supporting the development ofmy presidential year to influence how technical staff in organisations has been acompanies support their workforce and goal of Peters presidential year and was amake sure that engineers and technicians key theme during his presidential addressknow they are valued within their in October 2019.workplace. What would you say is the main goal ofIts clear that the Concordat has filled a the Concordat?gap in the sector and given companies aI want to use my presidential The goal of the Concordat is to raisechance to demonstrate how committedyear to influence how professional standards and ethics withinthey are to raising the standards and industry and make sure the engineers andcompetence of their workforce. Now thecompanies support their technicians within the global engineeringfocus turns to how the IET can support theworkforce and make sure sector are supported as much as possible.companies who have signed and how to It is vital to make sure that employeemaintain this commitment beyond Petersthat engineers and technicianscompetence is a priority within companiespresidential year.know they are valued within and the Concordat is a way for industry to commit to this.If your company would like to learntheir workplace.more about the Concordat or prove Alongside the IETs Corporate andyour commitment by signing, please Enterprise Partnership programmes thecontact Partnerships@theiet.org for Concordat provides a great opportunitymore information.'