ICE Council update October 2025

At its fourth ICE Council meeting of the 2024–25 session, council members heard about the services that the Benevolent Fund provide, received an update on the ICE’s decarbonisation strategy and examined the progress since the 2023 sexual harassment survey.

Strategy and governance

Work took place across 2025 on a new five-year strategy and council members were thanked by the director general for their invaluable input as the report was shared with them.

The strategy is a crucially important piece of work that updates the vision and sets the direction of travel for the institution.

Council approved changes to the terms of reference for the ICE president, following recommendations from the Nomination Committee (NOMCO). These changes clarify eligibility and time commitments.

Council also approved a proposal to increase international representation by creating three new council seats for Australasia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

This change reflects the size of our international membership and aims to ensure more equitable representation across regions.

Benevolent Fund

Kris Barnett, CEO of the Benevolent Fund, presented an overview of the fund’s work and services.

Council discussed ways to improve awareness of the fund, particularly among international members, and encouraged members to update their communication preferences when this is available after the MyICE re-registration process.

An invaluable member benefit, the Ben Fund provides advice, guidance, and financial support to current, former, and future ICE members and their families in times of need.

I encourage members to make a donation to the fund when they receive their subscription renewal invitation soon.

Decarbonisation

Maria Manidaki, technical director - decarbonisation, asset management at Mott MacDonald, and the ICE’s director of engineering knowledge presented on the ICE’s decarbonisation strategy. This included updates on PAS 2080, PAS 3090, and the ICE/IStructE climate and ethics roundtables.

Council discussed the need for clearer guidance, better data sharing, and stronger engagement with asset owners to embed low-carbon practices across the sector.

Tackling Sexual Harassment

Council was pleased to welcome Jo Horton, the ICE’s new chief membership officer, to her first council meeting.

She presented findings from the 2023 sexual harassment survey and offered an update on progress with the ICE’s action plan.

Council members welcomed the ICE’s leadership on this issue and called for further steps, including clearer policies, awareness campaigns, and safe spaces for reporting.

This was my last council meeting as president and chair, and I would like to thank council members for their support during my presidential year. I have greatly enjoyed the conversations that we have had.

The ICE is fortunate to have such a passionate group of individuals who care greatly about the future of the industry and their institution.

I wish them, and all the incoming council members all very best under the presidency of incoming President David Porter.