Introducing the Nominees of the SOE Trustee Board

Alan Carter is a seasoned executive with a robust background in governance, compliance, and corporate strategy, particularly within the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector. As the Founder and former Managing Director of QA International Certification Limited, he led the company to become a global leader in certification services. His experience is complemented by his current role as an independent Strategic Adviser and Governor at The TIC Academy, where he focuses on emerging technologies, sustainability, and risk management. With a Master’s degree in Business and numerous professional certifications, Alan combines strategic insight with practical expertise, making him a valuable asset for driving sustainable growth and enhancing organisational effectiveness.

Alan’s long-standing association with the SOE and IPlantE reflects his deep commitment to the engineering profession. He has held various leadership roles within the society, including Branch Chairman of the North East Branch of IPlantE and Education and Training Representative. In these roles, he has contributed as a peer reviewer and professional interviewer for the Engineering Council’s Registration of Engineers and Surveyors, demonstrating his dedication to upholding high professional standards.
A strong advocate for risk assessment and assurance, Alan’s expertise was recognised with a nomination to the Engineering Council’s SARTOR committee, where he contributed his knowledge of Royal Charter Charities and professional standards. His involvement with initiatives like the WISE Campaign underscores his commitment to advancing diversity and excellence in the engineering field.

Alan is eager to serve as a trustee for SOE, with a focus on promoting standards and supporting the development of future leaders in technology. With a wealth of experience in governance, compliance, and strategic leadership Alan believes he is well-suited to provide valuable insights and guidance for the Society’s ongoing evolution. 

Caroline Harries brings a strong foundation in governance, change management, and stakeholder collaboration, along with over 15 years of experience in various professional organisations. Her current role as Interim Governance Lead for the SOE Trustee Board reflects her commitment to ensuring that SOE navigates change effectively and inclusively. She is passionate about making the SOE a more diverse and inclusive organisation, with an emphasis on encouraging young people to pursue engineering careers.

Caroline’s expertise spans both private and public sector businesses, and her skill set allows her to take a balanced, strategic approach to setting organisational goals. She defines herself as a stout decision-maker, able to consider complex issues with objectivity, ensuring that members feel a sense of confidence in SOE’s direction and impact. Her strengths in collaboration and integration, combined with a visionary outlook, support her in managing strategic issues and guiding SOE through its evolving landscape.

As an advocate for the engineering profession, Caroline is driven by a desire to promote the unique opportunities that SOE offers, especially to apprentices, mechanics, and engineers just starting their careers. She supports continuous improvement within teams, training them on managing regulatory requirements, handling change, and fostering a positive culture.

In addition to her role with SOE, Caroline is a Trustee for the Trefoil Guild associated with Girlguiding, where she leads the Volunteer Programme and Development efforts across the UK. Her ability to coordinate and manage stakeholders has led to the creation of a number of successful events and networks that enhance collaboration. She continues to support and inspire teams across all levels of organisational structure, using both in-person and virtual opportunities.

David Carter brings a wealth of experience in governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight, which he is eager to apply to help shape the SOEs future. With extensive board-level experience, including roles as a Director for two companies, David is trained to Institute of Directors (IOD) standards and has a deep understanding of how strategic policy and practical implementation must align to uphold strong governance.

As a long-serving Justice of the Peace and Chair of the Herts Magistrates Association charity, David has demonstrated a solid commitment to working within both a strict legal framework as well as contributing to his community. David also brings a vast and varied professional background, with experience spanning engineering, logistics, motorsport, development, and healthcare, giving him a well-rounded perspective of the industry's needs.

David prides himself on his financial acumen, which he has developed through years of directorship and ongoing work toward chartered accountancy, enabling him to provide sound fiscal and strategic direction. Having led companies through acquisitions and currently holding a non-executive director (NED) position David has worked alongside financial leaders to ensure robust governance and oversight.

With almost 20 years as a Centre member of IRTE, David has actively contributed to training and knowledge sharing, growing his centre’s engagement to one of the highest-attending in the region. Now semi-retired, David has the time and dedication to give back to the industry that has shaped their successful career and is committed to strengthening the SOEs strategic direction for the future.

Having worked within the engineering space for many years David Young brings an extensive range of experience across governance and management, which he is eager to apply to support the future development of the SOE. With a focus on team dynamics, David understands how collaboration strengthens an organisation and fosters resilience.
With the skill of acting as a "critical friend" David doesn’t shy away from asking the important questions no matter how difficult they may be. This paired with constructive insights David believes that his skills can help streamline the processes of both the SOE and the board. As a strong advocate for clear and concise communications, David is determined to make operations and decision-making more accessible.

With a vast background in engineering, health, and safety, David has managed and trained large, multidisciplinary teams across the UK and Europe. This experience, alongside his technical roles, provides him with a robust foundation in leadership, quality assurance, and risk management.

David is committed to advocating for all SOEs sectors, believing in the mutual benefit each sector offers one another. David aims to enhance each sector's recognition across the wider industry and promote succession planning for committee and volunteer roles. By involving employers, David seeks to highlight the benefits of professional development within the SOE which in turn will benefit both members and the wider engineering industry.

George Haywood brings extensive expertise in mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems within the road transport industry.  Supported by an extensive career  George has a vast array of experience in management as well as a dedication to advancing industry standards in regard to safety and best practices. His roles, including Fleet Manager, Workshop Controller, Engineering Manager, and  National Fleet Engineer, demonstrate his commitment to promoting excellence in fleet operations and engineering management.

Starting his career at age 15 with West Pennine Trucks, where he earned his Master Technician licence, George has since contributed his skills and knowledge across positions with notable companies such as Prohire, Ryder, and Balfour Beatty. With qualifications in both HGV and plant repairs, he brings a well-rounded understanding of transport and engineering standards, and his professional experience provides him with unique insights into the needs of the road haulage sector.

George is passionate beyond measure about mentoring and supporting engineers at all stages of their careers. He actively promotes industry development through initiatives that aim to raise safety standards, improve legislation, and expand the IRTEC scheme. His commitment to the sector is evident in his volunteer work with the SOE where he serves as a CPD marker, lead assessor, and member of the Professional Standards Committee. His contributions also extend to STEM outreach, including his participation in discussions at the Commercial Vehicle Show on engaging the next generation in the industry.

George’s drive to give back to the industry is matched by his innovative vision for SOE’s growth. He is dedicated to building on the Society’s current successes and exploring new ideas to further its mission. His extensive network and deep passion for the field make him a valuable advocate for the Society, and he is keen to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the organisation and its members.

Professor Louis Lock is a highly experienced professional in power plant engineering, with a career spanning over four decades. His extensive leadership roles include serving as Chairman of the SOE Hong Kong Region between 2007 and 2009, Vice President of the Institute of Measurement & Control in the UK, and President of the Hong Kong Association for the Advancement of Science & Technology. Prof. Lock has also held multiple senior roles within the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, including Vice President and various chair positions across its specialist committees.

With a career starting in Hong Kong Electric, Prof. Lock has led teams on major projects with a strong focus on safety, environmental compliance, quality, and cost efficiency. His technical expertise, combined with extensive experience in establishing international partnerships and accreditation standards, makes him a valuable advocate for collaboration and professional recognition across regions.

Prof. Lock is actively involved in academia, holding honorary and adjunct professorships and advisory roles at numerous universities in Hong Kong, Mainland China, the UK, and beyond. This commitment to education allows him to share his vast knowledge of Engineering. His vision for a green, smart, and sustainable society is aligned with his dedication to advancing qualified professionals across the globe.

Awarded Honorary Fellowships by both the Society of Operations Engineers and IPlantE in 2009, Prof. Lock continues to contribute to the profession as a Council Member of IPlantE. Recently, he was invited to judge the "Plant Engineer of the Year" category for SOE's Safety and Resilience in Engineering Awards 2024.