Kate Cairns BEng MSc DIC CEng CEnv FICE is a renowned speaker, trainer and consultant for Cairns Consultancy but is also a long-standing Ambassador and Trainer for CLOCS.

Kate is a Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). She has driven change across the construction industry by instigating and contributing to two world-first standards in sustainability (CEEQUAL) and in safety (CLOCS). She is a trail blazer, multi-award winner and inspiring role model.

How and why did you get started in the construction industry?

I grew up on the beautiful wild beaches of Northumberland with awe and deep respect for the ocean, the weather and nature. I wanted my career to contribute to sustainable development: Construction has traditionally wreaked havoc on our planet; I wanted to help change that.

I read Civil Engineering at university after doing Maths and Physics (and English) A’ level. I was drawn to the combination of creativity, technicality and precision within engineering. The construction industry offered such diversity of opportunity; one could be in a design office calculating the loading on a building, on site overseeing construction, or liaising with the public and planning authorities about impacts. At the end of it all there was something tangible, useful, a piece of infrastructure that would serve society.

What challenges did you face as a female?

A male dominated industry can be intimidating for a young woman, especially in the days of banter, assumptions that the woman will make the tea and take the notes. Many women strive for perfectionism to avoid criticism which comes more readily than that for male counterparts. What this means is the majority of women in the industry are exceptional at what they do. As I have worked my way up I am inspired by those women who have succeeded, who continue to challenge and to have the courage to be their true selves, the industry is better because of their contribution.

Is the industry more inclusive today compared to when you joined and, if so, how?

The industry is certainly talking about inclusivity much more. I chair the ICE Fairness Inclusion and Respect Committee where we consult with our members, take a pulse of what’s happening in industry and then create and disseminate best practice. We have done surveys on racism and sexual harassment. Construction is no different from the rest of society, the same biases persist. But there is also a lot of lip service. In order to break bias we first need to raise awareness, then we need to acknowledge the reality, and then we need to take action. Just because we have a policy, a procedure and training does not mean that we have solved the problem. Culture change takes courage, challenge and real leadership.

There is an acknowledgement that there is much work to be done to allow everyone to be their full selves at work; when this happens, people are happier and more productive. There is a clear and proven business case for more inclusive working practices.

What improvements are you hoping to see in the future to encourage more women into construction?

We have been working for decades to attract more women to the industry. We need to not just encourage women into construction but to retain them. Whilst the number of female graduates joining the ICE is around 20% there are still only 11% of members who are female and even fewer, around 3%, who are Fellows, the highest level of professionalism.

Having spoken to young female engineers they tell me its hugely encouraging to have women visible at the top of the field. We must do more to ensure equity of opportunity, equal pay, and be truly inclusive. Most powerful and effective is when men sponsor and speak up for women in the same way they do for male colleagues. I appreciate those men who have done so for me; their encouragement and support has helped me become a Chartered Engineer, a Chartered Environmentalist and an ICE Fellow.

What would you say to women thinking about joining the industry?

The construction industry is a hugely diverse, exciting and fulfilling place to work, it crosses nearly every field one can think of with an enormous range of people and where one can contribute to making the world a better place. Like any other industry attitudes vary; with an open mind and a willingness to learn a hugely rewarding career is available. Resilience, integrity and a good sense of humour will serve you well.