October 2010
Halcrow’s Sally Sudworth has taken over the role as Chair for the Institution of Civil Engineer’s Welsh arm, ICE Cymru.
As the first woman to hold this post, Sally delivered her inaugural speech on ‘a practitioner’s approach to sustainable development’ and also introduced her theme of ‘celebrating engineering’ at Cardiff University.
She said: “I have chosen this theme to counter the current gloom in industry at present, taking the opportunity to remind all civil engineers of the crucial and fundamental role that they play in society. The majority of the engineers I know have a real passion for their work and love their jobs.”
Regional director for water in Europe Roland Grzybek attended Sally’s inauguration at the University and said: “I am delighted that Sally has been invited to take up this highly respected position in Wales. It’s a great opportunity to be in a position of influence in the engineering industry at this challenging time. I wish her every success for the coming year.”
Regional director for Cardiff, Barrie Jones also said: “Halcrow is a key player in the industry in Wales and to have Sally in this prominent post will help maintain that position. All her colleagues in the Cardiff office wish her well.”
The first activity in Sally’s calendar involved taking the ICE’s popular main ambassador project, bridge to schools, to the public. There is a waiting list at junior schools to take the project’s highly popular kit. In addressing one of the ICE’s objectives of raising the profile of engineering with the public, Sally decided to take the project to the busy high street in the middle of Cardiff City, with assistance from the Cardiff 29 Cub Scout pack. The event resulted in the District Commissioner piloting a new scout badge for engineering.
She said: “As Chair my theme is ‘Celebrating Engineering’ to bring a sharper focus onto the pivotal work that we do for society. By being creative in applying my agenda I am addressing what the membership want (increased profile of engineering and encouraging young people to join the profession).
I also have great concern about our resource pipeline and am working with WAG and Constructing Excellence to provide a forum to engage with those who have graduated this year and last who have failed to secure a job in civil engineering, along with those affected by redundancy. We intend to provide the support this group needs to secure the best people for our future needs. When the economy picks up, and it will, we need to be ready to ride the wave”.
The year ahead is going to be a lot of hard work but great fun too I hope. I am looking forward to some key events such as chairing the Severn Tidal Energy Conference next month, meeting the ministers in WAG to discuss the State of the nation report and doing more work with the schools and cubs.”