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Making Safety Seen with
Beth Holroyd

 

Health and Safety Business Partner at WSP in the UK

 

In honour of International Women in Engineering 2023, themed Make Safety Seen, we are showcasing Beth Holroyd, a dynamic Health & Safety (H&S) expert who shares her insights on the importance of belonging and visibility, starting with her early days as one of the few women on construction sites, to the industry influencer she has become, inspiring women to follow in her footsteps to pursue careers that were once dominated by men.  

Beth’s perspectives fit right in with our aspirations at WSP, where we foster an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.

 

What motivated you to pursue a career in Engineering?  

I attended an all-girls school and engineering and construction were not promoted, so when it came to deciding on my future career, I had no idea they even existed. I knew someone at the time who was studying Civil Engineering and with my passion for science, design, and math, they suggested it would be a good fit for me. Being the impulsive person I am, I jumped right in and applied to study civil engineering. Some people told me that going to a construction college was only for boys or tradesmen. My design teacher was the only educator who offered her full support to pursue engineering because she recognized my drive and aptitude.

 

Has anyone inspired you?  

I’m often asked this question. My answer is always— no. I am just independently driven by the impact I can leave on this industry, in leading change towards a more welcoming and inclusive place for the women that follow. I believe that my career is so much more than just doing my day job. Beyond wanting to succeed, I want to feel that I am making a difference. I came from a working-class background, and I was the first person in my family to pursue advanced studies. When I entered this field, I was the only girl in the class—and I remember being very nervous. I don’t want women to feel like I did, like a square peg in a round hole.


Since your background is in Civil Engineering, how did you gravitate towards championing construction and Health & Safety?  

When I first started out, I spent a lot of time on construction sites and rarely saw any female faces. For years, this didn’t bother me. I just thought girls just weren’t interested in this field, and then I realized that wasn’t true. I remembered I fell into this by accident, so I changed my perspective which led to my passion for promoting engineering. I knew I had to start making ‘noise’. I started reaching out to institutions and organisations asking them to work with me on promoting STEM professions. And now they reach out to me to speak at industry events, work on national campaigns and influence changes to policy. In the UK, it is estimated that about 21% of the Health & Safety (H&S) industry is female, and the overall construction industry is about 16% female. I want to play a role in making these numbers close to equal!

 

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Can you share your experience about joining the construction industry more than a decade ago?  

I have faced scrutiny, sexist remarks, and online abuse, with members of the public sometimes making unacceptable comments. I don’t care because I am not looking for validation. I’m doing my job. When I see this type of behaviour, I call it out immediately.  

More importantly, throughout my career I’ve forged a strong bond with some of my colleagues who continue to be incredibly supportive. I felt a profound sense of belonging in this group even though we had different ages, nationalities, and careers. When I did face some online abuse, they quickly jumped to my defense. These feelings of belonging and inclusion helped form my aspirations, to bring the incredible support and acceptance I had with them to the wider industry. 

I tell women interested in pursuing a career in engineering that the industry is filled with exceptional people, and the women that came before them will be incredibly supportive because they remember the feeling of being among the few females in the room.  

 

Are there obstacles you faced as a woman in construction? How did you deal with them?  

Early in my career, it was difficult to share my voice. I was nervous about speaking out because I didn’t look like everybody else. I developed the confidence along the way and found my voice. Knowing what its like to feel like an outsider, I constantly encourage younger colleagues to speak up because I want them to have a safe space to contribute their ideas or concerns.  

 

What advice would you share with women who are completing their studies now, or new to engineering, construction and health and safety?  

My advice would be to just be yourself. Don't try to emulate the behaviour of your male peers as I did early in my career. I thought it was the way to make my voice heard. Today I am unapologetically myself. I’ve been selected for this role, and I am going to stay true to myself. People won't always like your opinions, behaviours, or the way that you work. But if your intentions are good, other people’s negative opinions and feelings don’t matter. Don't make yourself small, be big and loud and noisy! Take up space and just be yourself.  


As an engineer, you have the opportunity to leave your legacy in this industry.

 

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Embracing an inclusive and diverse culture that promotes equity

WSP’s commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D) is a central pillar of our culture and values. We stand at the forefront of efforts to foster an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.

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