Current job title
Principal Consultant - Transport Decarbonisation and Sustainability
What does your current job involve?
I work in the Transport Decarbonisation and Sustainability team at WSP in the UK. Our team brings together Planners, Modellers, Engineers and Environmental Consultants to tackle transport-specific carbon and climate challenges.
I lead our work in Wales, whether that be supporting carbon assessment and management for large schemes following the Welsh Government Roads Review, or proportionate consideration of carbon emissions and climate resilience for Local Authorities.
What's the best thing about your job?
Perhaps a cliché, but the team I work with are second-to-none. The space we work in is continuously evolving, but together we stay up to date with frequently changing methods and guidance because of their conscientiousness and passion for the work we do. Our team have developed thinking, tools, processes, and templates that have shaped the scoping and development of the Department for Transport’s Quantifiable Carbon Guidance. The team has applied this evidence-led approach to carbon in LTP development with Local Authorities. There are many wider social and economic benefits to decarbonisation, than just reducing carbon emissions.
How did you become involved in the transport industry?
I had jumped between jobs after graduating, unsure of what I wanted to do. I lived in Reading at the time and in my broad internet job searching, found applications were open for the Graduate scheme at the Transport Research Laboratory Ltd in Crowthorne. I joined the Air Quality team as Graduate Researcher and truly landed on my feet starting my professional career with TRL.
TRL are an intersection between academia and consultancy, conducting research into infrastructure, vehicles and human behaviours. They provided me with such a firm foundation in the industry, expanding my environmental knowledge and pushing me to deliver high quality, technical deliverables for public and private-sector clients.
What do you like about working in transport?
We all need to travel from A to B – it is at the heart of how people live, connect and work. There is no denying the devastating impact that climate change is already having on the UK’s transport infrastructure and the technical, real-world challenge of many schemes that I support on continues to keep my work meaningful.
What are you most proud of?
Outside of work, I can nearly always be found on two wheels, cycling in the Bannau Brycheiniog. With a good friend, in July last year we started a women-led off road cycling community group @alpenglow.cc. Once a month, we head out on the trails around Abergavenny or Monmouth and now have over 50 members. I’ve loved meeting local ‘off road enthusiasts’ and encouraging others to get outdoors – whatever the weather.
Why did you join Women in Transport?
I had a brilliant High School science teacher who advocated for women studying STEM-subjects – a field in which women and non-binary people are dramatically underrepresented.
The situation is the same in the transport sector. When I heard about the work of Women in Transport driving equity and advocacy for women, and knowing of the varied and interesting roles the transport-industry boasts, I felt a duty to support others joining and working in the sector.
What is your role at Women in Transport?
Deputy Regional Lead - Wales Hub
What do you enjoy most about being part of Women in Transport?
The visibility WiT provides of women who are thought-leaders, senior stakeholders, technical experts, drivers, projects managers and more. WiT provides a platform for showcasing diverse voices and career paths in this industry. This is powerful for recognising existing expertise, challenging perceptions and creating relatable role models.
How long have you been involved with Women in Transport?
Since 2023
Annual membership for Women in Transport is £60, providing access to professional development and networking opportunities. Corporate packages are available; for inquiries, please email us or visit our website.
Our partnership packages are a flexible and accessible way to support Women in Transport and your organization's equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives. Learn more about our partnership opportunities here and contact us if you would like a meeting to discuss how we can work together.
Follow us on Linkedin at Women in Transport, and at @transportwmn on Instagram for events, news, and updates.