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Phillippa Groome and her dog, Nala

The annual Adam Weiler Award goes to doctoral researchers who show the potential to achieve outstanding impact in their chosen field. The prize, which runs thanks to a generous donation from the family of a former Sussex student, was awarded to four students during Sussex Doc Fest in June. Phillippa Groome, from the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) in the Business School, is one of the winners and her research explores how organisations can successfully promote equality, diversity and inclusion, specifically gender equality, within the UK construction sector.

Tell us a little about your research

My research examines the gap between equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policy intentions and outcomes in practice. In particular, I am interested in the stubborn persistence of gender inequalities across major infrastructure programmes and projects in the UK. This is a highly controversial area with significant legal, reputational and personal sensitivities. I argue that EDI policy needs to build on positive evidence of incremental change to overcome barriers to transformation, such as a lack of commitment, accountability and imagination in policy making.

What impact do you hope your research will have? 

Working closely with government and industry stakeholders as a Policy Advisor to the Crown, I was seconded with the Department for Transport (DfT) to sole-author the policy brief: Enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion for transport infrastructure skills. I featured my findings on social media (including blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and video) and engaged in extensive public speaking, nationally and internationally. Highlights include providing training for HM Treasury and technical review for High Speed 2, the £100 billion major infrastructure project. This research is officially positioned to form the basis for DfT’s upcoming Transport Labour Market and Skills Strategy.

What is your favourite thing about being at Sussex?

By studying at Sussex, I discovered phenomenal people who were willing to invest in my potential, and provide the mentorship and sponsorship essential for my personal wellbeing and career development. Joining the Science and Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the Business School has channelled my entrepreneurial spirit in ways I had not thought possible. This is an environment where I am encouraged to branch out of my disciplinary training in the Natural Sciences, delve into new bodies of knowledge, and experiment with innovative methodologies for societal impact.

What do you do away from your research? 

As I prepare to submit my thesis, it can be challenging to disconnect from the research. However, I make sure to spend a good two hours a day exercising my dog (and mind) come rain or shine. Allowing myself quality time with loved ones has been crucial to help me switch off and recharge. I have also managed to rekindle my love of reading outside of the PhD, although I notice that the topics are often interrelated in some way! Occasionally, I will throw caution to the wind, dust off my dancing shoes, and lindy hop the night away to a live swing band with my local community. 

What’s next for you, in your work or otherwise? 

Following positive reception to my policy brief, I was invited to conduct my postdoctorate with the government’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), reporting to the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. This potential research partnership has led me to co-develop a research proposal on diverse talent management in the civil service, in support of delivering on the IPA’s Project Delivery Diversity and Inclusion strategy (2020-2023). Although I thoroughly enjoy conducting engaged action research, I am also open to opportunities beyond academia, such as project management in government or consultancy in industry.

Read more about this year’s Adam Weiler Doctoral Impact Award winners.

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