RICS is committed to fostering greater diversity in the construction adjudication sector and is advocating for greater representation of women in adjudication roles.
To address the imbalance in these roles, RICS has committed to an annual industry scholarship intended to cultivate talent and diversity within alternative dispute resolution roles; the Women in Construction scholarship grants one individual per year the opportunity to enrol on the RICS Diploma in Adjudication.
Explore the winning essays and highly commended submissions from other applicants.
Winning Essays
Elaine Huskinson – Read Elaine’s essay
Elaine Huskinson shares personal insight and industry data to examine the barriers facing women in construction, from the persistent gender pay gap to under-representation in leadership and adjudication roles. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, she highlights the cultural and systemic challenges that limit women’s progression and offer reflections on how improved policies, mentorship, and inclusive working practices can help more women build fulfilling careers and become leaders in the field of dispute resolution.
Victoria Clapp – Read Victoria’s Essay
Victoria Clapp reflects on her personal journey from self-doubt to senior leadership, growing and mentoring a diverse team while breaking down barriers for women in construction. She explores the challenges of imposter syndrome, and under-representation, and highlights the vital role of allyship, mentorship, and visibility in helping women succeed. Drawing powerful parallels between leadership in quantity surveying and dispute resolution, the essay makes a compelling case for why women’s strengths are essential to fostering collaboration and driving cultural change in the industry.
Iona Morrison – Read Iona’s Essay
Iona’s essay addresses the urgent skills shortage and under-representation of women in the UK construction industry. Iona highlights the critical role women can play in filling workforce gaps and driving cultural change, particularly in the male-dominated area of construction dispute resolution. The essay explores current barriers, emerging initiatives, and the positive impact that diversity and inclusive recruitment can have on productivity, collaboration, and the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution in the sector.
Highly Commended
Katie Rawcliffe - Read Katie’s essay
Katie Rawcliffe explores the critical role that dispute resolution can play in supporting women’s career progression within the UK construction sector. Highlighting the ongoing gender imbalance and the barriers faced by women in moving into senior roles, the essay argues that greater female representation in adjudication and dispute resolution panels could lead to fairer outcomes, improved workplace cultures, and stronger career pathways for women across the industry.