Celebrating Women’s History Month through success in construction

Five members of staff from the House of Commons have been nominated for awards in the 2022 European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards this year.

Their nominations come as Parliament celebrates Women’s History Month with a wide variety of events.

The European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards are an annual event recognising the support and contribution that women make to the construction and engineering industries.

It’s been held for the last seven years, and there are more than 25 categories ranging from Best Woman Architect and Best Woman in Environment & Sustainability to Best Woman Consultant and Best Male Mentor.

The House of Commons, which has a large portfolio of construction projects across its estate, has been successful in nominating five women this year. They, and their categories, are:

?????????????Katie Woodward (Best Woman Electrical and Mechanical Engineer)

?????????????Elle Smith (Best Woman Project Manager)

?????????????Catharine Arul Dass (Best Woman in Digital Innovation)

?????????????Natasha Musandu (Best Woman in Digital Innovation)?

Another member of staff was nominated in the Best Woman Project Manager category.

Isabel Coman is the Managing Director of In-House Services and Estates, the House of Commons team which manages the day-to-day care of the estate as well as its portfolio of construction projects.

She said:

“Women’s History Month is an incredibly important part of the calendar in Parliament, and at the House of Commons we celebrate the role and achievements of women every year with a wide variety of events.”

?“So, it’s very timely that this month, thanks to the WICE awards, we are also able to recognise the contribution of women in the field of construction and engineering. The number of staff from the House of Commons that have been nominated for awards this year is a real testament to the breadth of expertise that we possess in our organisation.”

Catherine Hallett is Director of Portfolio Management at In-House Services and Estates.

She said:

“Having five of our staff nominated for awards this year is a great recognition of all the skilled people who work in Parliament. The work our nominees do in engineering and construction is often behind the scenes but is incredibly important to the functioning of our estate, and the important work of Parliament. I’m thrilled that they’re being recognised in this way.”

Both Isabel and Catherine are also part of the judging line up for the awards. Note that no judges will sit on any individual panel that judges their own staff.

The finalists are expected to be announced on Thursday 24 March, and the awards presentation is due to be held on 26 May.

Update from 24 March: We are delighted to announce that two of the nominated women, Catherine Dass and Katie?Woodward, have been shortlisted for the final.

For more information on the WICE awards, please visit their website, and for more information on the House of Commons please visit?our website.

• Find out more about the House of Commons .

Images: UK Parliament