Background

The formation of the United Kingdom Naval Engineering, Science and Technology (UKNEST) Forum was borne out of recognition that there was a lack of focus in the UK for matters that related to the sustainment and development of the UK’s naval design and engineering intellectual base. Whilst considerable attention has been, and is being focused on the naval industrial base, the role of the corresponding intellectual base in under-pinning the industrial base is not being given the attention it should due to its relatively small size and cost. Nevertheless, recent examples have shown the huge impact that failures wholly or partly in the intellectual base can cause in major projects.

Objectives

The proposed overall aim for the UKNEST Forum is;

To provide a forum for the UK’s professional naval engineering, science and technology community for addressing issues of common concern, fostering specific professional development needs, and giving a focal point for interaction with, and influencing the wider Government and industrial community.

This objective would be seen in the context of an overall vision of;

Developing and sustaining the vision and implementation of a world-class naval engineering, science and technology intellectual base in the UK.

Implicit within the proposed overall aim are the following objectives;

• Provide a forum where representative individuals can meet on an equal professional basis to discuss matters of interest or concern to the UKNEST community.
• Influence training, education and professional development organizations with strategic advice on the needs of the UKNEST community.
• Provide a representative focus for influencing Government/industry initiatives that will impact the UKNEST community.
• Communicate the value and special interests of the UKNEST community to appropriate professional and public audiences.
• Strengthen the collegiate spirit within the UKNEST community reflecting the shared interests between individuals and organizations.

UKNEST Activities

The UKNEST programme of activities is developed by the Steering Group to meet perceived priorities. The scope of UKNEST activities will include the following;

• Workshops . Output focused and professionally-orientated i.e. not approaching issues from a political/commercial viewpoint. Currently candidate topics include design processes, role and function of design authority, skills development, professional development structure, education and training, innovation, tools etc.
• Awareness Raising and Engagement . UKNEST has a key objective to influence Government and industry policy and actions for the benefit of the UK’s intellectual base in naval engineering, science and technology. In response to specific issues, UKNEST will use its networks to raise issues of concern, and suggest options for consideration.
• Communication . Communication of the UKNEST objectives and activities will be established through the Internet and newsletters published at an appropriate frequency.
• Position Papers and Reports . There are some issues that will benefit from the development of a position paper or report. Research, surveys and studies will be conducted as appropriate under the auspices of UKNEST.

Membership

Membership of UKNEST is open to public and private organisations with substantial interests in the naval engineering, science and technology intellectual base, and significant UK professional assets. Membership provides one place on the UKNEST Steering Group. Membership of UKNEST is on a one organization, one representative basis, except where the Steering Group approves multiple membership for an organization whose structure suggests that more than one representative might be appropriate. In this circumstance multiple membership fees would be payable.

Governance

UKNEST is directed by a Steering Group with an independent Chairperson. The Steering Group meets bi-annually or at a frequency determined by the members. The role of the Steering Group is to ensure the smooth running of the Forum, agree expenditure and membership fees, and set the priorities for activities of the Forum.

Administration

The secretariat for UKNEST is provided by the IMarEST.

Funding

UKNEST is maintained on a not-for-profit basis with annual membership fees set at a level to permit execution of the Forum’s activity. First year membership is £5,000 per member. Members fund the full cost of their own participation (meetings etc.). All other activities e.g. workshops, social etc. are run on a basis that covers costs, with non-members paying a premium for participation. Any operating surplus/deficit is reflected in subsequent year’s membership fees.