Event organised by ICE
From Bystander to Ally: The Power of Intervention in Creating Inclusive Spaces
Civil engineering is a vast and diverse profession and it can take many paths. Civil engineers are creative problem solvers, working in harmony with the natural environment to keep towns and cities running and to build a more sustainable world. Working closely with infrastructure engineers, they are tackling some of the biggest challenges that society faces today, such as the climate crisis. They're looking at new ways to reduce waste, cut carbon and make the world safer and more inclusive.
This event will specifically look at how small actions can drive meaningful change.
Join us for an insightful discussion on the role of civil engineers in building inclusive spaces. Industry experts will explore the impact of bystander intervention, the skills needed to foster equity, and the challenges of creating truly diverse environments.
Whether you're a student, aspiring engineer, or industry professional, this session will offer practical strategies and fresh perspectives on promoting inclusivity in the built environment.
Registration and light refreshments
Event Introductions
Keynote Speaker
Panel discussion
Networking
Close
Diversity Mark
head of business development
Todd has years of experience in sales and distribution across multiple sectors. With Diversity Mark, Todd focuses on introducing the benefits of DM’s accreditation service to help organisation’s promote inclusive work practices.
NIE Networks
senior HR business partner
With over 30 years experience in the utility sector Paula is a member of the senior leadership team in NIE Networks based in their HQ office in Belfast. She leads a team of HR professionals who all operate as generalists with strong partnership relationships in place across the business.
In addition to a number of responsibilities her main focus is on organisational training and development, talent management, change management and employee engagement.
A busy mum of four children Paula lives in Carrickfergus. A graduate in Business Studies from Ulster University Paula then completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management.
In addition to this she has a number of Management Qualifications and also has a professional coaching qualification.
Paula is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Training and Learning Solutions
managing director
Sandra Lee established Training and Learning Solutions back in Jan 2002 and has been actively engaged in the field of learning and development for 30 years. She is a highly experienced and much sought after Learning and development consultant, trainer, diversity champion, executive coach and mentor who designs and facilitates learning solutions to support the wider business strategy of her clients globally in Europe, LATAM, the USA, Canada, and APAC.
As an advocate for inclusion in the workplace her training aspires to maximise individuals’ potential by developing growth mind-sets through inspiring training and coaching to build a collaborative and inclusive work environment that enables us all to be heard and where we can feel we belong.
She has designed and facilitated many programmes in the EDI space including; The Power of Diversity: Inclusive leadership, Allyship in Action, Gender Equality in the Workplace, and the Athena Women’s Leadership Programme. She has been delivering a few of these programmes on behalf of The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) to their members since 2019.
GRAHAM
civil engineering division managing director
Leo has over 30 years’ experience working in a variety of sectors throughout the UK, Ireland and Africa. He joined GRAHAM in 1999 as a project manager and was appointed as board director in 2009.
Leo provides strategic leadership and operational support to his sector leads. He has developed strong and long-lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders and joint venture partners and built the civil engineering business through sustainable organic growth.
He takes a lead in civil engineering graduate training as well as the health and wellbeing programme which he has been able to bring to Highways England. Leo has helped to develop his colleagues through motivational life-coaching, which can sometimes be difficult as a lifelong Leeds United fan.
non-executive director, trustee and advisor
Stephen was managing director of Power NI for over 18 years until 2021, and during this time also sat on the management board of the Energia Group, the parent company of Power NI. He is a past President and board member of the NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and currently holds a number of non-executive roles across a range of sectors in NI.
Ulster University
PhD resercher
Rachel Woodward is currently a first year PhD researcher at Ulster University. Her research is exploring the applications of net-zero cements within ground stabilisation applications via waste recovery. Before this, she was a site engineer for GRAHAM working on a wide range of projects including the Belfast Transport Hub Enabling Works and Busway Bridge and most recently, the York Street Train Station Redevelopment.
Aimed at students, this series of seven webinars which runs until May 2025 will enable you to learn about professional life from recent graduates from across the industry.
Join the ICE East Midlands North Nottingham, North Derby Branch lunch and learn webinar on the Waterside Bridge.
A five-session course delivered by industry experts focusing on key aspects of contracts used in Civil Engineering.
