Anne Nortcliffe is an accomplished leader and educator in the engineering and construction sector. As the Dean of Arts, Computing, and Engineering at Wrexham University, she has dedicated her career to promoting inclusive education and workforce development in the Engineering, Technology, Design and built environment. Part of her role encompasses overseeing Built Environment higher education learning, research, and innovation. Recently, she led her faculty to launch a suite of Built Environment degree apprenticeships, including civil engineering, making Wrexham University the only provider of such programs in Wales.
Anne Nortcliffe | Dean of Arts, Computing, and Engineering | Wrexham University
This innovative approach supports both traditional and modern construction methods, contributing to a sustainable talent pipeline that will meet industry demands for years to come. At EliteX, we are proud to have Anne Nortcliffe as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Construction, 2024.
Anne’s journey into the construction industry began with her first role in refractories, where she worked in industrial research to develop bricks for steel furnace kilns. She gained invaluable experience designing and testing these materials, and this early role laid a strong foundation for her future in engineering and construction. The practical challenges of scaling up laboratory processes to mass manufacturing outdoors taught her crucial lessons in quality control, safety, and adaptability. Reflecting on this experience, Anne acknowledges how it shaped her understanding of the complexity and demands of the engineering and construction industry. The industry has evolved significantly since Anne’s early days, with notable improvements in health and safety, which have increased both the quality of construction and the appeal of built environment careers. Today’s sites are not only safer but also cleaner, which has made the field more attractive to diverse talent, including women and people from Black and Asian backgrounds. For Anne, this shift represents a positive step toward creating a more inclusive environment where a broader spectrum of individuals can thrive.
“Creating a truly equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment means ensuring everyone belongs and their contributions are valued.”
One of Anne’s proudest achievements is her team’s involvement, in particular Dr Louise Duff and Gareth Carr leadership in establishing the first Built Environment degree apprenticeships in Wales, a collaboration between Wrexham University and Coleg Cambria. This program has led to the enrolment of 57 new apprentices, 15% of whom are women, which is a significant milestone for gender diversity in the field. This initiative not only provides career opportunities for a diverse group of students but also helps over 24 companies develop their own inclusive talent pipelines. Anne’s work in this area demonstrates her commitment to shaping a future workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Despite her successes, Anne has faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She has often encountered situations where her voice wasn’t initially heard or respected. However, she remains undeterred and underscores the value of diverse and inclusive teams, which research shows contribute to greater financial success and enhanced well-being within organizations. Anne emphasizes the importance of inclusive design, noting that women’s unique perspectives are essential in creating environments that are safe, functional, sustainable and accessible for all users. For example, she highlights how differences in spatial awareness between men and women can affect their interaction with built spaces, which is often overlooked in traditional design processes.
Anne believes that attracting more women to the construction industry requires not just policies but genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). She advocates for policies that go beyond tokenism, focusing instead on equity, inclusion, and active allyship. According to Anne, true progress will only occur when companies integrate EDI practices into every aspect of their operations, from recruitment to career progression. Reciprocal mentoring between senior and junior staff can foster understanding and help build an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. Anne’s insights underscore the importance of creating workplaces where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, a crucial factor in attracting and retaining diverse talent.
“The future of construction is bright, but only if we focus on creating solutions that serve all of society, not just a narrow demographic.”
Throughout her career, Anne has been inspired by several mentors who have shaped her approach to leadership. Professor Dame Helen Atkinson, a trailblazer in engineering, served as a role model for Anne from a young age. Her father, who worked in the same department as Professor Atkinson, admired her achievements and shared her successes with Anne, instilling in her a vision of what could be achieved in an engineering career. Another influential figure is Professor Helen James, a former manager who navigated her own path from an engineering apprenticeship to academia. Professor James’s support and mentorship have been invaluable to Anne as she mentors the next generation of female engineers. Additionally, Barabara Welch, Programme Director at MACE and currently leading the reservicing of Buckingham Palace, has been a source of mutual mentoring and support for Anne. Together, they navigate the complexities of managing diverse teams and meeting ambitious project goals.
When discussing the essential skills for success in construction, Anne emphasizes communication, foresight, systems thinking, and commercial awareness. She notes that effective communication, particularly the ability to listen, is key in any collaborative project. Foresight allows industry professionals to anticipate shifts in technology and practice, while systems thinking enables them to solve complex problems by synthesizing multiple sources of information. Finally, commercial awareness ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, of desired quality, safely and with minimal environmental impact, which is increasingly crucial as companies strive to balance profitability with sustainability.
Balancing a demanding career with personal life has been an ongoing challenge for Anne. When her family was younger, she worked part-time to accommodate her husband’s frequent location and travel for large-scale construction projects. As her daughters grew up and went to university, Anne shifted her focus to different universities, where she continues to create innovative educational programs for the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.
For young women considering a career in construction, Anne offers encouragement and practical advice. She points out that the field is incredibly diverse, with numerous roles that do not necessarily require time spent on construction sites. For example, estimators and surveyors may work remotely, visiting sites only as needed, which can provide flexibility for those with family commitments. Anne sees this as a positive development, as it allows women to pursue fulfilling careers in construction while managing other responsibilities.
Anne is also actively involved in and advocate of several initiatives and organizations supporting women in construction. One of these is the EqualEngineers reciprocal/reverse mentoring program, which facilitates organisations’senior managers to advocate for the skills and contributions of junior staff from minor community; female, Asian, Black and/or disabled. Additionally, she participates in conferences and awards, such as the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Conference and the Design and Build UK Women in Construction awards. These events celebrate the achievements of women in the industry and highlight companies that are making strides in EDI. Anne believes that diversity and inclusion are essential to the construction industry’s success. Authentic EDI policies not only enhance profitability but also promote overall economic well-being. Potential employees are more likely to feel valued and motivated if they see “people like me” represented within a company. Anne stresses that having female role models at every level is vital, as it demonstrates the potential for career progression and reinforces the message that diverse voices are valued. Reciprocal mentoring, where insights and respect flow both ways, fosters a culture of collaboration and respect that benefits everyone.
“An inclusive and diverse team brings collective knowledge and critical thinking that achieve results and solutions for everyone.”
Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is an integral part of Anne’s role. Her position in academia affords her unique opportunities to network with colleagues researching cutting-edge technology and solutions. Additionally, industry leaders frequently share innovations to help equip the next generation with the skills needed to succeed. This constant exchange of knowledge keeps Anne informed about advancements that could shape the future of construction.
Looking ahead, Anne is optimistic about the future for women in construction. She believes the industry’s current skills gap cannot be bridged without broadening the recruitment pipeline and that designing solutions that cater to a diverse population is simply good business. Anne envisions a future where EDI practices become the norm, making the industry more inclusive, innovative, and resilient.
As she continues her work, Anne hopes to leave a lasting legacy of positive change. In a previous role, she created a new School of Engineering, Technology, and Design that embodied EDI principles, resulting in a diverse staff and student body.
This pioneering approach produced impressive results, with 38% of the staff being women and nearly half being from Black and Asian backgrounds. Anne’s efforts demonstrate the tangible impact of inclusive practices on team composition and educational outcomes. By challenging social norms and creating supportive environments, Anne Nortcliffe is paving the way for a more diverse and equitable construction industry.