To mark International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026, we hosted our first Inspiring Women event, bringing together colleagues from across the business to celebrate achievements, share experiences, drive positive change and explore ways to further support women in engineering.
Organised by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Network, the event provided an opportunity for women from across the business to connect, discuss challenges and opportunities, and contribute ideas that will help shape future initiatives.
The session was led by Claire Garrett, Ground Improvement Director and EDI Lead, who facilitated open and engaging discussions focused on attracting, supporting and retaining women within both the business and the wider engineering sector.
Open discussions on challenges, opportunities and everyday experiences shaping women in the industry
Throughout the event, attendees explored a range of important topics affecting women in engineering, including workplace policies, personal protective equipment (PPE), career development opportunities and practical actions that can improve the day-to-day experience of women working in the industry.
Interactive discussions encouraged participants to share their perspectives and experiences, creating valuable conversations around inclusion, equality and professional development. The event also highlighted the significant contribution women make across the business and reinforced the importance of creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Claire Garrett said: “International Women in Engineering Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across our business while also listening, learning and identifying where we can continue to improve. The conversations we had during the Inspiring Women event were open, honest and constructive, and I am incredibly proud of the engagement and ideas shared by colleagues.”
The event generated positive feedback from attendees and provided valuable insights that will help inform future EDI initiatives. It also demonstrated our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and supporting the development of women at every stage of their careers.
As the UK’s largest specialist geotechnical engineering contractor, we recognise the importance of encouraging greater diversity within engineering and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed. Following the success of the Inspiring Women event, we look forward to building on this momentum through future initiatives that support, connect and inspire colleagues.
About International Women in Engineering Day
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an annual global awareness campaign that celebrates the achievements of women in engineering and encourages more women and girls to consider careers in the profession. The day also highlights the vital role women play in shaping the future of engineering and inspiring the next generation of talent.
