Added: 25th July 2023 by Stantec
Becky Clarke, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing for Stantec UK&I, has scooped a top prize at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) Festival of Achievement. Becky was named Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion at the prestigious event which took place at Millennium Square in Leeds on the 16 May.
The award recognised an outstanding individual contribution that removed barriers and improved the working experience for employees from all backgrounds, while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all underrepresented groups. Eight finalists were shortlisted from a strong field of entries and Becky was named overall EDI Champion.
Becky has based her career on creating a supportive environment where everyone in the Stantec team can be their true, authentic selves and achieve their maximum potential. She's been the driving force behind Stantec's barrier-breaking EDI programme, as well as our industry-leading wellbeing programme.
After gaining the support of employees and leaders, she created a comprehensive programme level strategy, leading to the creation of the Stantec UK&I EDI Council. The council then championed the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to allow employees to express themselves and be proactive in areas which mean something to them personally - be it as an active member or as an ally.
With Becky's support, the individuals who know best are empowered to make things better. Stantec UK&I’s current ERGs include Women@Stantec, Pride@Stantec, BLK@Stantec, Persons with Disabilities@Stantec, and Neurodiversity.
Commenting on the award, Becky said: “This is such an honour. The shortlist for this category was full of people who strive for change and I’m proud to have been named alongside them. EDI is an area where we can all do more. I’m lucky to work in a place that recognises how important it is for us all to be free to be ourselves, and to have a leadership team that supports the work we do.
“Knowing the difference EDI can make to the lives of individuals is what motivates me to keep championing change. This award isn’t just about my achievements, it’s recognition for everything the ERGs are doing to improve the working experience for everyone, both inside and outside Stantec.”
More than 800 people gathered to recognise innovation, inspirational leadership and world class partnerships across real estate, property and infrastructure, with professionals from these sectors coming together to enjoy an evening of celebration. The unconventional awards ceremony eschewed the traditional sit-down meal to create a more vibrant, diverse and inclusive event with networking, pop-up food and beverage stalls, entertainment, games and more.
Stantec, a global leader in sustainable engineering and design, also sponsored the awards, and had a significant presence during UKREIIF, alongside its partner Perfect Circle. The event brought together the public sector alongside Government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and more to attract inward investment, generate economic growth and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction sectors.
