Judging Panel

Caroline, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, joined the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) in March 2020 with a career background in manufacturing and nuclear decommissioning consultancy providing a wealth of consultative, problem solving and people skills, and technical insight into a wide range of regulatory requirements. SAFed is the trade association which represents the UK independent engineering inspection and certification industry, whose members play a key role in maintaining high standards of safety within the workplace.

Caroline’s aspirations at SAFed are to raise the profile of the Engineering Surveyor as a respected and aspirational role and increase the number of routes to becoming competent. It is also her mission to improve awareness of the importance of membership to the end that SAFed is known within general engineering like ATOL/ABTA are in the travel sector.

At home, Caroline is from Aspatria, Cumbria, a small town approximately half way between the northern Lakeland fells and the Solway Firth estuary, and is an active member of the IMechE West Cumbria. In 2024 Caroline was named in the Kings’ Birthday Honours and received her MBE from HRH Princess Annes in October at an investiture at Windsor Castle for services to Business and Engineering.

Emma is a Chartered Environmentalist and Fellow of IOM3 as well as a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business Programme. 

As well as the Chair of the IOM3 Sustainability Development Group (SDG), Emma is a member of the UK Government’s Green Apprenticeships Advisory Panel (GAAP) and a Board Member of the Future Water Association. 

As an accomplished Executive Director, Emma not only brings a wealth of experience in driving organisational efficiency, optimising processes, and fostering growth but also a passion for the engineering sector.  

Emma is driven by a passion for optimising operations, boosting productivity, and orchestrating flawless execution across departments, establishing herself as a formidable presence. Her key responsibilities include spearheading process reengineering initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency, developing strategic plans to align business operations with company objectives, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to drive revenue growth and market expansion, and cultivating high-performing teams while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

Prior to his current role, Robin enhanced his credentials at the Institute of Physics, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, and the Royal Town Planning Institute, where he was instrumental in supporting career progression and spearheaded initiatives to boost member engagement and professional development across various engineering and scientific disciplines. His extensive background in managing professional standards provides him with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within the engineering community.

As a judge for the SOE Safety and Resilience in Engineering Awards, Robin brings his expertise in qualifications and standards management to evaluate the contributions of engineers striving to enhance safety and efficiency in the industry. His commitment to advancing professional development and upholding rigorous standards is reflected in his contributions to enhancing the role of engineering professionals in society.

He began a HGV Technician apprenticeship in the late 1970’s after which he chose to move into management. He mapped his career from midway through his apprenticeship to achieve his goal of a senior position. Throughout his development he sought to work steadily through several roles gaining valuable experience and continuing his learning and development.

After his apprenticeship and a couple of years working as HGV Technician, he changed jobs and become a Fleet Engineering Technician – his first role off the shop floor. Then a Transport Distribution coordinator, Transport Manager, specific product line National Transport Manager and ultimately National Transport Manager all products.

Nick has spent a working lifetime interacting with teams at all levels of businesses. Passionate and tireless with industry associations Mineral Product Association “MPA” Institute of Road Transport Engineers “IRTE” delivering effective engineering and operational change for the whole industry. People development in all areas was key to Nick’s philosophy, driving best practice in safety and helping people to get the best for themselves and the organisation.

Choosing to step down and retire in 2020 he continued his passion for road transport engineering. He is a volunteer for the SOE and continues to play a key role in the IRTE as Sector Council Chair. Due to his position in the industry a few organisations have asked Nick to support change within their businesses and with Nick’s help they continue to improve.