The Surface Engineering Leadership Forum (SELF) is a UK-run global resource network. It provides the first joined-up space for all major UK industrial trade associations, academics and Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) dealing with surface engineering and advanced coatings. A not-for-profit group, it has the ability to reach out to more than 100,000 members through the various bodies that make up the Forum.

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HISTORY AND PURPOSE

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Formed back in 2019 with an official launch at the House of Lords, SELF has since undergone a lengthy period of consultation and engagement with the surface engineering and advanced coatings community. This has identified a distinct lack of leadership and availability of suitable tools required to support the industry through a difficult period of growth. 

As a result, SELF has set itself the task of working to help build strong leadership and governance across the surface engineering sector. Eight key drivers have been identified to achieve this aim:

• A unified Vision & Strategy

• Building a sense of Community

• Providing Influence and Governance

• Providing strong Communications through a common national voice

• Address the desperate lack of Training & Skills for this discipline

• Incubate, nurture and retain Advanced Coating Technologies and Knowledge in the UK

• Guide and assist in Funding Support

• Unite the Community through Cultural Change ensuring equality, inclusion and diversity in membership.
   

Through focussing on those key drivers, we hope to deliver improvements across the sector ecosystem.