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1997: Pamela Liversidge
Pamela Liversidge (1949-)
112th President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Liversidge was the first female president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. She was born in 1949.
In the late 1960s, she decided that she wanted to pursue a career in engineering, then an unusual career for a woman. She embarked on a Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Aston, in Birmingham. At this time, it was usual for engineering students to receive sponsorship, but this proved difficult to obtain as a female engineering student. After graduating, she obtained a position as Graduate Trainee with GKN, based in the West Midlands.
In 1976, she moved to George William Thornton, a small forging company based in Sheffield. Starting as Assistant Technical Manager, she progressed to Sales Director. In 1987, she moved to East Midlands Electricity as Strategic Planning Manager. She was eventually promoted to Divisional Director of East Midland Electricity’s trading businesses.
In 1993, Liversidge set up a company to manufacture specialist metal powders. The company came about through her interest in Medical Engineering. This interest also saw her promote the formation of a Medical Engineering Division in the IMechE during her time as President. She also facilitated the formation of AIME – the Association of Institutions in Medical Engineering. The manufacturing company was sold in 1996, and she is now Managing Director of a holding company, Quest Investments Ltd.
During her time as President, Liversidge initiated the ‘Moving Forward’ programme. It included a wide-ranging review of the Institution’s activities, allowing it to respond to changes in the Mechanical Engineering profession. Education and Qualification procedures relating accreditation were also reviewed. She also opposed the SARTOR regulations.
She was awarded an OBE in 1998/9 in recognition of her services to the Institution and Engineering. She is also a member of the WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) National Co-ordinating Committee, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and of the City and Guilds Institute. She is also a Freeman of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire and of the Worshipful Company of Engineers.
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