18 Jun 2020
Over 20 years ago the IOR launched a section to provide good quality information for service engineers – a move to address practical skills and recognise the importance of the service section.  Today however, we have to recognise that the section actually represents a much larger range of disciplines working in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps. Earlier this year the Section Management Panel carried out a review of the title of the Section and following feedback from members and non-members decided to make a change of name to the RACHP Engineering Technician Section. The aim is to make the section inclusive of everyone working a technician role, not just those working exclusively in service activities.  This includes a very wide range of types of jobs such as the installation and commission of Split A/C Systems, VRV/VRF, Refrigeration Packs and Cases, Precision Cooling, Rooftop Chillers, to name but a few.  In addition, the new name reflects how work is becoming more integrated across refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump activities. 
We hope that the change of name will clarify the role of the IOR section and what it offers to all of those involved in technician roles in the installation, commissioning, maintenance and service of RACHP equipment.
There are no qualifications required to sign up for the section – it is open to anyone who wants to improve their knowledge and membership is immediate upon payment of the £42 annual subscription. To find out more about the RACHP Engineering Technician Section and corporate discount schemes for employers of technicians visit the dedicated section on the web site.
3 Nov 2025
On 29 October, the IOR members met to share their reports on activity, plans and strategies for the future. Seven IOR committees met, including Membership, Education, Environment, Technical, Engineering Technician Group, Women in RACHP, and the Dinner Committee.
29 Oct 2025
At the IOR Annual General Meeting held on 29 October 2025, election results were announced. Stephen Gill FInstR was voted President-Elect, and Stephen Benton FInstR together with David Bostock FInstR were elected as Trustees to the IOR Board.
28 Oct 2025
The IOR and the ACES have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration and promote the exchange of ideas and expertise during the Clean Cooling Network Conference on the Sustainable Cold Chain for the Global South, taking place at the University of Birmingham from 28–29 October 2029.
22 Oct 2025
On 20th Oct the Department for Education (with others) published this document outlining future skills policy and new V levels to sit alongside A levels and T Levels in key sectors such as engineering. The RACHP industry will need to consider what these changes mean for our work to promote skills and careers to ensure sufficient supply of well trained new entrants to our sector. IOR education committee members are digesting the content...
21 Oct 2025
The IOR’s RACHP EngTech Section innovative mobile technician’s app has over 200 subscribers!