The_Assessor_Spring 2026 web - Flipbook - Page 4
JOURNAL
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
This is my 昀椀rst President’s Column since taking the reins in September, and it’s
fair to say the role has offered less of a gentle handover and more of a live
recovery operation. Still, progress rarely arrives wearing slippers.
First, I would like to thank former Presidents Darren Power and Dave Punter for
laying the foundations of our digital transformation journey. Thanks to their work, we
are moving steadily towards a stronger digital presence and a far more user-friendly
experience – a welcome change from the days when 昀椀nding information occasionally
felt like a forensic investigation in itself.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the Executive Committee – Mark Wells, Gary Hunt, and David Punter – for
their continued support, guidance, and patience throughout what has already been a demanding but rewarding
start.
The Institute remains committed to strengthening relationships with insurers and encouraging more engineers to
join the IAEA, enhance their technical quali昀椀cations, and raise their professional pro昀椀le within the industry. Just as
importantly, we continue to champion higher professional standards and the development of technical expertise
across the membership.
Supporting those entering the profession is equally critical. We are focused on providing stronger technical
foundations, clearer guidance, and meaningful development opportunities to help the next generation build
successful careers within the industry. Our Education Committee is also actively exploring further apprenticeship
growth opportunities, creating more accessible pathways into the profession and ensuring we continue to attract
and develop new talent – preferably before someone else does.
Collaboration remains a major focus for the Institute, and we are continuing to strengthen relationships with insurers
and key stakeholders across the sector. By working more closely together, we can improve understanding, raise
standards, and deliver better outcomes for the wider industry. Contrary to popular belief, progress does happen
faster when everyone is pulling in the same direction.
This year, the FIEA will hold its General Assembly in the UK on 17 and 18 September 2026. We have scheduled our
AGM to run alongside the event on Friday 18 September, followed by a gala dinner. Please watch this space for
further details and booking information. It promises to be an excellent event – and one where “networking” should
involve considerably less damage assessment than usual.
I also hope to see many of you at the ITAI Crash Day at Upper Heyford Air昀椀eld in Oxfordshire on Thursday 18 June.
The event continues to be an outstanding opportunity for members and industry partners to exchange knowledge,
discuss emerging challenges, and explore the latest developments within automotive assessment and investigation.
We will have a stand there, so please do come and say hello.
Hosting major industry events such as these is a testament to the strength and reputation of the Institute and re昀氀ects
the hard work and commitment of our members.
There is a great deal to look forward to, and I am genuinely excited about the future of the Institute. With continued
investment in education, professional standards, collaboration, and innovation, we are well positioned to grow
stronger and continue delivering real value to both our members and the wider industry.
Phil Briggs, M Inst AEA, MFIEA, AAE, MIMI, FSOE FIRTE, President | IAEA
IAEA 2026 AGM - PLEASE PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY!
We are pleased to advise that the AGM this year will be held as a physical event in the Thatcham area with the
option for a remote dial in.
A notice will be sent out in due course to Corporate Members con昀椀rming that the AGM will take place on
Friday 18 September 2026 in the Thatcham area with exact location and timing to be advised.
Can I attend the AGM if I am not a corporate member?
All members of the institute are invited to attend the AGM, only corporate members are permitted to vote.
We ask that any questions you wish to be raised at the AGM are submitted ahead of the event, either on the
registration form or by email to the company secretary.
If you wish to attend in person, then we will reach out via email before the event to advise how to do this or, Book
online teams AGM attendance via invitation. If you have not had this, please contact info@theiaea.org to arrange).
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THE ASSESSORS JOURNAL | SPRING 2026 | www.iaea-online.org/news/the-assessor
