BOBBETTE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Manager (chiltern tunnels)

“the collaboration across the project is tremendous.”

Bobbette joined us in August 2017 having previously worked on Crossrail at Ilford Yard Stabling project with parent company Volkerfitzpatrick. We asked her to share her experiences of working on the project.

What inspired you to start a career in Civil Engineering?

I was working at a Further Education College as a Pastoral Tutor which just happened to be in Construction when I saw an advert for a Workplace Coordinator for VFL.  The role involved liaising with stakeholders regarding works, recruiting and mentoring apprentices and working with schools and charities to deliver Social Value. The role embodied all the elements that I enjoy in addition to drawing on my experience and knowledge.  That was back in 2013 and as they say the rest is history.

What has been a highlight at ALIGN?

Working with my team and the wider team within the project. In particular the last eighteen months during which my role has evolved. 

What does a day in the life look like…

It may be a cliché, but no two days are alike. On some days I could be having scheduled meetings with stakeholders, HS2 or the Community Engagement Team as well as dealing with complaints and enquiries from stakeholders. Dependent on the complaint or enquiry this could involve me liaising with various teams including shaft sites, North Portal, noise & vibration, land, U&A,  TBM, logistics, traffic and environment.

There may be an issue which has transpired overnight which means I have to visit stakeholders.  I also visit stakeholders where necessary to inform them of upcoming works which may be an issue.

On other days I could be preparing advance works notification to inform the community of impactful works, hosting stakeholder meetings and visits at the Chiltern Tunnel sites as well as holding drop-in events where the community can come along and meet the team to discuss any issues, progress of current and upcoming works.