Costain helps to improve people’s lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet to thrive.
They shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the infrastructure ecosystem across the UK’s energy, water, transportation and defence markets.
ILP graduates from Costain worked together to review and improve the opportunities given to introverted people to express themselves and give meaningful contributions to engineering projects. This included considering how this issue intersects with people with different cultural heritages and genders.
The Costain team included:
- Georgia Thompson, Mid-career leader (Project Lead)
- Hannah Bullock, Early-career leader
- Tim Stone, HR Leader
- Andrew Threlfall, Senior-career leader
Georgia Thompson, Design Manager, Mid-career Leader (Project Lead)
A highlight of the ILP was being able to tackle intersectionality from three different angles. This is something I haven't seen before, and I really enjoyed the cross-sections of information that it produced.
As an inclusive leader, I actively talk about the characteristics that make me different. I think this helps people acknowledge that we don't all need to be a certain type of leader and leadership can be shown at different levels of an organisation.
I’d like to see the engineering industry become more open to the characteristics we normally associate with leadership. I would encourage engineers to show up in your own identity and personality, not what you think you should act or look like.
Andrew Threlfall, Group Chief Engineer, Senior-career Leader
“A highlight of the ILP for me was the opportunity to work alongside a fabulous team and drive positive change and understanding.
One way that I show up in my workplace as an inclusive leader is by remaining conscious and driving fairness – in our operations, teams and delivered outcomes.
I would like the engineering industry to provide a clearer career and long-term employment message to encourage potential new entrants – it's more than just maths and hi-vis."
Tim Stone, Group Talent and Development Manager, HR Leader
A highlight of the ILP for me was the growth of my understanding around how to approach sensitive topics with curiosity and also how simple being an ally really is.
As an inclusive leader, I show up in my workplace by being an ally and by speaking up when something doesn't sit right.
I would like the engineering industry to be more comfortable to show genuine care and curiosity by asking questions to understand others’ views and experiences.
I would encourage engineers to stop being scared to ask about people's life experiences and to take an interest. Building genuine relationships with as wide a range of people as possible is key to building inclusive environments.