Amey

This award is to recognise industry-leading performance by a company, association or individual, between January 2022 and January 2023 in making specific efforts to champion and develop a diverse and inclusive culture within the geotechnical sector and/or their own organisation. The entry should demonstrate how the organisation or individual is championing change and fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry and workforce. It should also describe how this is helping to attract and retain talent within the industry or company. This can be illustrated at head office, project or initiative level, and can be focused on the role an individual is playing in driving change.

Helen Townend

"Helen is a chartered geologist with 30 years of consultancy experience. Helen has brought insights from her experience to her roles as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead and, more recently, Head of Inclusion and Social Value at Amey Consulting. Over the last 5 years, Helen has championed inclusion across Amey Consulting, with the aim of developing a safe, inclusive and fair culture for all. Alongside supporting Amey Consulting leadership in the delivery of inclusive and accessible service provision Helen has led several initiatives within the EDI space. This included drafting an Inclusion Strategy that enhances Psychological Safety, establishing an Ambassador Network and engaging with industry organisations such as Business in the Community and the Employers Network for Diversity & Inclusion. Helen has continued as a Technical Director within Amey Consulting’s Rail business alongside her EDI activities."