THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has welcomed Derek Smith, the head of engineering at the Capita/North Tyneside Council Partnership as its North-East chairman.

Mr Smith has a longstanding history of active involvement in ICE North East, having been a student member at Newcastle University, a graduate member and finally a full member in 1999 on passing his review. He subsequently progressed to the grade of Fellow in 2012.

He has served on the Northumbria Branch committee as both secretary and chairman and has been the regional awards secretary since 2010, helping deliver the annual Robert Stephenson Awards.

Mr Smith has a vast experience as a chartered civil engineer, working in contracting and in the delivery of public services with local authorities.

In North Tyneside, he leads the Partnership engineering teams in delivering core council services, such as network management, road safety, parking management, streetworks management and development control. He also leads the construction teams involved with planned and reactive maintenance.

Mr Smith said: “After almost two decades of involvement with ICE North East, becoming chairman is a proud achievement for me. I thoroughly enjoy working alongside the ICE North East team, not only the staff, but also my fellow professionals who give their time voluntarily to promote the industry and careers available within it.

“I am looking forward to a year of getting even more involved in the many activities ICE North East leads and partners in, and lending my voice to the industry both within the region and beyond.”