1. A new role

Working as a Partner within EY gives me access to great engagements across infrastructure and government. We are helping clients with transformational initiatives, advising them across a range of areas from project delivery and talent management to how to mobilise capital. I wake up every morning looking forward to getting stuck into what our clients need us to support them with.

2. Hybrid at work

I find the move to hybrid working has improved my life balance. I love going to the office, because I get the opportunity to meet people, grow my network and develop. I'm new to the organisation, and it's really important that I build a community and I get to meet people face to face. But I also appreciate the flexibility of working from home and having a work-life balance: I have two dogs and I like taking time out to walk them and just reflect. I have to admit, EY is a fantastic employer for culture and behaviours – one of the best that I've worked for ever, in fact.

3. Fundraising for a great cause

The Railway Children is an international charity working to reach vulnerable children who have no-one to care for and protect them. This includes the 10,000 young people the British Transport Police find in danger on the rail network every year, as well as the thousands of children living in poverty alongside the train tracks in India or those desperately struggling to survive a life on the streets of Tanzania. I am very proud and honoured to be an ambassador for their annual big station sleepout fundraising event.

4. CIHT’s openness

I am heavily involved in CIHT’s EDI work stream, which has a remit to look at how we can be more diverse and inclusive in the sector irrespective of what level you are. Everybody can put forward their perspective and thoughts, without any judgement on the working group, which is hugely important. It’s a really welcoming, collaborative and inclusive environment.

5. Mentoring

Mentoring is a very valuable part of corporate life, and I'm very grateful to CIHT’s chief executive Sue Percy, who has helped and supported me. However busy she is, she always makes time to have conversations with me as one of my mentors. I feel lucky to have an inspiring role model, to ask questions, discuss any range of topics and to provide a different perspective. I also have the pleasure of mentoring a number of future leaders and find it so rewarding watching their careers go from strength to strength.

Want to explore what you can do for EDI at your workplace? CIHT will be hosting its Masterclass on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion on 15 June 2023. Register for the webinar today.

Words by Anna Delvecchio, Partner, EY’s UK&I Government and Infrastructure practice