IT & Communications
Education & Training
Energy & Environment
Health & Safety
Transport
Manufacturing
Science Policy & Research
Legal
Devolved Administrations
For a complete list of all IEE submissions please go to www.iee.org/Policy/Submissions/annual.cfm and select the yearly lists from the drop down menu.
IT & Communications
(S)741 – Transformational Government – Enabled by Technology
Command Paper 6683 Transformational government – enabled by IT: IEE comments to the Cabinet Office.
The IEE welcomes the principal elements of the strategy, namely designing around the citizen or business; moving to a shared service culture; and improving professionalism in terms of planning, delivery, management, skills and governance of IT-enabled change. However the document focuses primarily on technology rather than holistic business change. The IEE believes the key challenges are to achieve transparent ‘system thinking’ and to plan for the substantial internal reform and cultural change that will be necessary. The outline for achievements expected during 2006 on systems supporting both Criminal Justice and Healthcare Reform seem insupportably optimistic, based on past performance.
(S)732 - Impact of ICT on Health and Healthcare
Call for evidence on the impact of ICT on health and healthcare: IEE comments to the Royal Society.
The IEE’s comments focus firstly on the relevant information and communications technologies that are likely to impact on health and healthcare in the next 10 to 15 years. Secondly, the areas in the provision of healthcare that could be positively or negatively affected by these developments are identified. Furthermore, the actions that should be undertaken now to maximise positive impacts and to prevent or minimise adverse effects are suggested. Finally, the wider implications of relevant future technological developments are considered.
(S)727 - Ofcom: Proposal to reform amateur radio licensing
Consultation on “Proposal to reform amateur radio licensing (Of 243)”: IEE comments to the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
Amateur radio continues to play a significant role as a hobby and often acts as an inspirational introduction to radio and communication principles for both established and future engineers and scientists. Whilst supporting a lighter touch regime and much of the spirit of the proposals put forward, the IEE believes that it remains important to ensure the accuracy of the licence database, the competency of those licensed, licence/Notice of Variation compliance, and conformity with international regulations concerning amateur radio.
(S)720 – Ultra Wideband
Consultation on Ultra Wideband: IEE comments to the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
UWB is potentially a very important technology. It is possible to see that short range high data rate radio devices could have widespread applications in replacing solutions which currently use wires. In doing so, such devices could generate many new applications and services, most of which cannot yet be described. It is therefore of the utmost importance that rapid progress is made on agreeing the basis for UWB deployment, within the broadest geographical context possible.
(S)719 – Planning Options for Digital Switchover
Consultation on "Planning options for Digital Switchover": IEE comments to the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
The digital switchover should be implemented in a manner that the predicted coverage for all public service broadcasts at least matches that currently obtained through the analogue service. Furthermore, all three public service multiplexes should achieve the same coverage at switchover throughout the UK. The commercial multiplex operators will by their very nature only wish to provide a service where the infrastructure and operating costs are ultimately exceeded by the revenues obtained. The digital switchover should not be jeopardised by placing the same service obligation on the commercial multiplex operators as it does for the public service operators. Option 2 is regarded as the preferable implementation option, and at the time of digital switchover in 2012 the 8K variant should be nationally adopted.
(S)716 – Electronics Regulatory Group
Electronics Regulatory Group: IEE comments to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The intention to include DTI, DEFRA (encompassing the Environment Agency), the ODPM and the Treasury on the new Electronics Regulatory Group is supported. Furthermore, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) needs to be included due to its responsibility for health and safety at work regulations and safety of product regulations. Consideration should be given to including the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), which is responsible for overseeing IT procurement policy emanating from the UK and EC.
Education & Training
(S)744 – Inquiry into the Schools White Paper
Inquiry into the White Paper on “Higher standards, better schools for all”: IEE comments to the House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee.
The White Paper raises a number of issues, but the opportunity to improve the delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education should not be lost, nor should opportunities be forfeited to any future students. In particular a public dialogue to promote and enhance awareness of the vital importance of science and engineering, emphasising their role and value in wealth creation, and benefits such as quality of life, health and environment and sustainability, is essential. The comments focus on parental choice; specialist schools; Science Learning Centres and teacher development; information and communications technologies (ICT); and High Level Teaching Assistants.
(S)740 – Revised QAA Benchmark Statement for Engineering
Consultation on revised benchmark statement for engineering: IEE comments to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
The IEE supports the aim of a unified standard for engineering degrees and the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC standard provides an obvious starting point for such an endeavour. The major strength must be the attempt to find a common set of statements that serve to define the academic standard expected of graduates with an engineering degree. However, the status and role of the document is somewhat unclear. The statement appears to accord the same status to both accredited and non-accredited degrees, whereas what is needed is a clear recognition of clear difference in status. Simply put, the benchmark needs to recognise that some programmes are intended to produce graduates that meet the IEng outcomes set out in UK-SPEC, some the CEng outcomes, and some neither.
(S)724 – Skills: Getting on in Business, Getting on at Work
Consultation on the White Paper on “Skills: getting on in business, getting on at work”: IEE comments to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
The IEE has very real concerns on a number of specific issues, which are not addressed within the White Paper. The provisions outlined concentrate on delivery rather than content, and this is an intentional move to give business partnership a strong voice. However, the effectiveness of many of the proposals will only be seen with the implementation. The IEE has backed the concept of industry/business driven systems through many of its initiatives, such as the Power Academy. However, with regards to basic skills, including those within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas, these need to be introduced at the latest at Key Stage 2. The foundations for employment-based training are in sound basic skills. The Government’s own estimates suggest that up to 85% of jobs in the UK involve some elements of information and communication technologies (ICT), and thus science and technology must be considered as important basic skills.
(S)715 – Strategic Science Provision in Universities
Inquiry into science provision in universities: IEE comments to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.
The IEE's evidence concentrates on the HEFCE research funding formulae and the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE); the concentration of research into fewer departments; changes in the HEFCE weightings; the optimal balance of teaching and research; regional capacity; and Government intervention.
Energy & Environment
(S)743 - Inquiry into Energy in Wales
Inquiry into 'Energy in
