IET announces Honorary Fellows 2023 line-up
Two outstanding engineers and notable figures within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) have been elected as Honorary Fellows of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Journalist and TV presenter Steph McGovern has been awarded in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the public understanding of STEM. Steph started her career as an Apprentice Engineer at Black & Decker and won Young Engineer for Britain, before becoming a broadcaster for the likes of the BBC and Channel 4.
On receiving her accolade, Steph said: “Without my start in engineering I very much doubt I would be having the amazing career I have been for the past 20 years. It gave me skills transferable to every job I’ve ever had, and it’s helped me stand out from the crowd. I am always incredibly proud to tell people that my background is in engineering, and I am obsessed with helping more people see how fabulous it is. So, I am dead chuffed to be recognised for that by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.”
Maurice Poole, an Electrical Engineer who led on Hinkley Point A & B nuclear power stations before becoming a consultant, has been awarded in recognition of his outstanding service to the IET. Having volunteered for over 30 years promoting engineering for the IEE and the IET, Maurice has served on IET local networks, the IET Communities Committee, IET Council, and been a valued Professional Registration Advisor.
On receiving his accolade, Maurice’s family said: “Maurice has worked tirelessly for many decades to support the IET and promote engineering, and his volunteering over the years has brought him much pleasure. We are extremely proud of what he has achieved, and the recognition given to him by the Institution.”
IET President Gopi Katragadda, added: “It brings me great joy that the IET is marking the outstanding achievements of Steph McGovern and Maurice Poole by awarding them our prestigious Honorary Fellowship. Both have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their respective fields, contributing significantly to the engineering community. Their expertise, knowledge, and unwavering commitment have been a source of inspiration for many.”
Notes to Editors
Honorary Fellows bios
Stephanie McGovern BSc HonFREng FCGI
Steph McGovern is a former engineer, now a journalist and TV presenter. Originally from Middlesbrough, she was awarded an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship and started work as an Apprentice Engineer at Black & Decker where, aged 19, she won the title of Young Engineer for Britain before studying at University College London. She was the lead producer of financial news for the BBC. She began broadcasting herself, and delivered the business news on 5Live, Radio 4 and on the Chris Evans show on Radio 2 before getting a fulltime role on BBC Breakfast.
Steph is the presenter of the eponymous Steph’s Packed Lunch, Channel 4’s daily live lunchtime show. She is also one of the hosts of Have I Got News For You on BBC One and regularly appears on TV and radio panel shows. Steph launched a CBBC show looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs, Pocket Money Pitch. On BBC Two’s Made in Great Britain she joined 21st century makers exploring the skills and industries that built the nation. She co-hosted five series of the popular BBC One show Shop Well For Less and four series of the consumer rights institution Watchdog.
Maurice Poole DipEE MBA
In 1986 Maurice became the Site Electrical Maintenance Engineer (Senior Engineer), CEGB, Hinkley Point A & B nuclear power stations. In 1994/5 as Station Electrical Engineer (Senior Engineer Grade 8), Nuclear Electric plc, Hinkley Point A & B, with full operational responsibility for both reactors, Maurice led a team who were successful in extending Hinkley Point A’s operating licence beyond its 30-year design life. He also led a team who, based on rigorous plant history investigation, planned and gained approval to operate Hinkley Point B’s reactors for three years between overhauls to make it Nuclear Electric’s lowest cost generator. Maurice rose to Group Head of Engineering Development (Full Grade 8), British Energy Generation Ltd, Hinkley Point B, before becoming an independent consultant in 1999, finally retiring in 2015.
Maurice has volunteered for over 30 years promoting engineering for the IEE and the IET. Starting as Neighbourhood Engineer to his local school in 1991, he has been serving on a Branch or Local Network continuously since joining the South Western Centre in 1995. He had a two year period of Chair from 1999 and he also served later on the Members Board. Maurice was instrumental in setting up Devon and Cornwall Branch before being asked to Chair the Bath and Chippenham Branch of the Western Centre which was struggling, before taking the role of Honorary Secretary in 2003. Retaining that position continuously in the IET Somerset and West Wiltshire Local Network until, in 2020, he took over as Chair again. Additionally, during this time, he was elected to Council in 2014. He sat on the Communities Committee from 2014 to 2020 and was a Professional Registration Advisor for 8 years. He has enjoyed a lifetime of tireless dedication to the practice and promotion of engineering and the support of engineers.
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