Application for a Royal Charter by the Institution of Highways & Transportation is reaching a crucial and exciting stage. The time is arriving when Members of the Institution have to agree two things: on the principle of IHT becoming incorporated by Royal Charter and the wording of a Petition to the Privy Council for a Royal Charter to be granted.
“Becoming incorporated by Royal Charter really is a status thing, it’s a badge of honour,” says IHT’s Chief Executive Mary Lewis. “If we proceed, if we are successful, it would demonstrate around the world that our Members are doing work of considerable importance, to the highest professional and ethical standards, for the public benefit. Becoming a chartered body would enhance both our reputation and our credibility.”
IHT’s Executive Board decided during 2008 to examine the possibility of gaining a Royal Charter. There are no absolute criteria but the Institution has to make a convincing case that it is the public interest for it to be regulated in this manner.
There is no certainty about a Royal Charter until a Petition is granted. If this happens, IHT will become the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation and its post nominals will change. For instance, Members will become MCIHT: Member of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation. The CEng post nominal will not be affected.
IHT has been given the go ahead to prepare a draft Petition to the Privy Council, following consultations between the Privy Council and the Department for Transport (which has agreed to sponsor IHT’s application), the Engineering Council and the Charity Commission. (IHT will retain its current charitable status and the benefits that such status brings, if it becomes a chartered body.)
The Executive hopes to present the draft Petition, plus the Charter and By-Laws which would replace the current Memorandum and Articles of Association, to IHT’s Membership at the Annual General Meeting in June. Agreement to the wording would signify agreement to the principle of becoming a Chartered Body and give the green light to a formal Petition to the Privy Council.
A copy can be obtained from Brian Murrell, telephone t: +44 (0)20 7336 1559 e:
Brian.Murrell@iht.org who will also be happy to take any comments or suggestions that you may have.
IHT Draft Petition to the Privy Council - Feb 09 
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