Meet the team: Member Experience and Knowledge
29th January 2026
Rachel Bibby, IChemE’s Director of Member Experience and Knowledge, explains how her directorate is shaping the future of member engagement, professional development and knowledge sharing across the Institution.
I have the privilege of leading IChemE’s Member Experience and Knowledge Directorate, working closely with our Member Engagement Committee, chaired by Andrea Hosey, VP Member Engagement, and the Learned Society Committee, chaired by Joan Cordiner, VP Learned Society. Together, our staff teams and volunteers are shaping the future of member engagement and knowledge development across the Institution.
Central to IChemE’s mission, the directorate supports a diverse and growing membership by delivering world-class member experiences, strengthening advocacy and advancing the profession through knowledge sharing and technical development.
By championing collaboration and helping members connect and share best practice, we aim to position IChemE as the professional home of choice for those working in, and contributing to, chemical engineering at every stage of their careers. Read on to see how each team is making an impact – from inspiring future talent and supporting volunteers to building communities and delivering member services.
Member Experience
This team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional service for every IChemE member. From front-line support via our global Member Support Centre to vibrant member communities, they aim to ensure a seamless experience across all touchpoints.
Their work helps to drives innovation in member engagement, support our high standards of governance and advocate for members — helping build a dynamic professional community where every member feels supported and connected.
They also lead on member recognition and celebration, ensuring achievements and contributions are acknowledged. Through effective communications, the team keeps members informed, connected and engaged with IChemE’s activities and opportunities, while tailoring services to support a diverse global membership.
Regional Engagement
As IChemE’s frontline presence, the team plays a central role in strengthening and expanding member engagement across the Institution. Working across the UK and internationally, they build strong, long-term relationships with universities, employers, companies and stakeholders to raise awareness of IChemE’s offer and create opportunities supporting recruitment, retention and participation.
Their work ensures IChemE remains connected to its diverse communities by generating insights that help keep our products and services relevant, responsive and world-leading.
Through engagement and trusted local connections, the team develops and nurtures vibrant professional networks, supports the growth of the chemical engineering community and enhances the profession’s ability to contribute positively to society.
Young People's and Student Engagement
This team plays a vital role in securing the future of the profession by building and sustaining a diverse pipeline of emerging talent. Working with young people, schools, teachers, colleges, universities and other influencers, they deliver inspiring outreach, student programmes and partnerships that spark interest in chemical engineering and open routes into the profession.
Their work ensures IChemE remains relevant and accessible to future talent pools by creating impactful experiences that shape career choices, drive inclusivity and strengthen engagement from early education through to professional membership.
By showcasing the societal value of chemical engineering and connecting young people with real opportunities, the team helps ensure the long-term vitality, diversity and growth of the profession.
Volunteer Engagement
Volunteers are central to IChemE’s success and this team is focused on enhancing their experience. They lead improvements across the entire volunteer life cycle – from recruitment and onboarding to training, readiness, recognition and ongoing support.
Working closely with all areas of the Institution, they ensure volunteer roles are meaningful, aligned with IChemE’s strategic priorities and supported by clear processes and resources. The team’s goal is to make volunteering rewarding and effective by providing the tools, guidance and recognition needed for consistent engagement and impact.
Knowledge
Working in close partnership with members, the Learned Society Committee and the IChemE Safety Centre, the Knowledge team drives the creation, exchange and celebration of high-quality technical insight. They help to strengthen our technical networks, including the Special Interest Groups (SIGs), ensuring that good practice and member-led expertise are consistently developed, shared and celebrated.
The team is also creating a closer interface between the SIGs and The Chemical Engineer magazine, enabling member-led technical advances to be shared more effectively and showcased to a wider audience globally.
As IChemE expands its policy influence, the Knowledge team will increasingly draw on the depth and breadth of member expertise to inform evidence-based policy positions and support engagement with governments and public bodies. By mobilising the profession’s collective knowledge, the team helps ensure IChemE can respond credibly and quickly on emerging issues, strengthening the voice of chemical engineers in national and international decision-making.
The team further enhances IChemE’s global technical leadership by working with international organisations, including the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Through this work, they ensure chemical engineers have a strong, authoritative voice on sustainability, safety and wider policy issues – maximising the profession’s impact across society and the sector.