This letter explained the situation rather well (see the end of the page for further links):

To colleagues in the IEE, You will no doubt be aware that on the 21st September a vote will take place to create the proposed Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which will replace both The IEE and IIE. 

This is a combined vote which will not only bring into being the new institution but will also accept proposed new Charter and Bye-Law documents. 

It is clear from recent discussions (on the IEE Forums and elsewhere) that many IEE members are alarmed that the proposed Charter & Bye-Law include sweeping changes which the membership have not had an opportunity to review. Many are also increasingly frustrated that direct questions placed on the Forums relating to these issues are being left unanswered.

The proposed changes will see the existence of Council as an official advisory and members' representative body being removed from the Royal Charter. A detailed study of the proposed governance documents reveals many other anomalies which would benefit from further work, some of which have been highlighted by contributors to the relevant IEE Forums. 

The existing Bye-Laws permit a group of 50 member signatories to request a Special General Meeting. A petition is attached which asks for the establishment of a working party to review the proposed Charter and Bye-Laws with a time frame which it is believed will offer adequate opportunity for discussion and amendment by the membership prior to adoption in a subsequent vote. 

Please take the time to look at the petition. If you or any of your IEE colleagues wish to request further discussion on the governance of the either the IEE or the proposed IET then please sign and return immediately by post to Colin Davidson at the address indicated. If you know your IEE membership number then add this but please do not let this delay your response. 

An email to me at iee-petition@(removethisbitbeforesending)bradwell.net with any comments you have would be appreciated. Regards, -- 
Robert E B Holland CEng FIEE 
Bradwell IT Solutions Ltd 
Sheffield 
S25 2QS 
Phone: +44 1909 568630 
Fax: +44 1909 567825

Here is a link to the petition (although it is now too late to send your signature), right click and "save as" to somewhere on your PC to download a copy.

The IEE forum on the new institution can be found here - this is still active following the vote.

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