Robin Jones Awards
AT the institution dinner in September 2023, the institution presented the Robin Jones Awards. Commemorating the life of former president, Robin Jones, the awards feature the three categories that reflect the ‘golden threads’ of the 30-year institution strategy – equity, diversity, and inclusion; sustainability and climate change; and working in a digital world.
Robin Jones, a lifelong supporter and advocate of CICES who sadly passed away in 2020, was passionate about supporting early entrants to the industry, regardless of their chosen route and the awards reflects this in their criteria. The awards were open to any CICES student, affiliate, graduate or associate member in full time or part time education at any of the CICES-approved colleges or accredited universities or through any approved development or accredited apprenticeship schemes.
Congratulations to the winners who all received £1,000, an additional six months’ membership, a commemorative certificate and an invitation to the institution dinner. Here’s a showcase of the celebrated winners with comments from the judging panel highlighting the individual special recognitions received.
Ishini Saparamadu – winner
Category: Innovation and sustainability
During her internship, Ishini, developed software web application using Python and React to streamline redundant construction processes and automating workflow procedures. Following the success of the web application, Ishini is currently developing a ‘robot contract manager’ software that will use artificial intelligence and data science technologies.
The awards panel were asked to provide three words that clearly described the submission. These words were ‘innovative, connecting, automating’.
Pearse Kelly – winner
Category: Overcoming challenges and breaking boundaries through education, training and development
Acting as primary carer for his father during his battle with cancer, Pearse successfully balanced his university studies, deadlines and submissions with his professional life as a trainee QS. With the full support from his employer, this often included focussing on university work in the waiting rooms of the hospitals, meeting all deadlines without the need for extensions or repeats. Pearse is now a graduate QS on Ireland’s largest flood alleviation scheme.
The awards panel were asked to provide three words that clearly described the submission. These words were ‘committed, perseverance, caring’.
Megan Roche – winner Category: Equity, diversity and inclusion
Within the business unit at Arcadis, Megan co-leads the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) charter. Megan has led various DEIB events and took the role of PM for the faith strand – this included developing key religious posters, some reaching over 20,000 globally, organising blood donation sessions and events for Interfaith week.
Passionate about encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work, Megan is committed to creating a workplace that fosters an authentic sense of belonging.
The awards panel were asked to provide three words that clearly described the submission. These words were ‘equity, driven, committed’.