AECOM's Lucy Bradbury is a catalyst for LGBTQIA+ inclusion

Lucy Bradbury is an award-winning advocate for sustainability and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the construction industry. She works as Global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Training & Development Lead at AECOM.

A firm advocate for inclusion, Lucy was interviewed by City Girl Network in Manchester, UK where she lives and works.

"Manchester is such an amazing hub of all different types of incredible women and there are always inspiring stories to tell that it sometimes feels almost impossible to put a spotlight on every single one because they all deserve to be told," says City Girl Network.

Passionate about social sustainability and equity

As part of Lucy's job, she teaches people in the industry about sustainability. Lucy is especially passionate about social sustainability and helping the fight for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

"I work with 60 of the biggest construction contractors in the UK. We work in collaboration and I help them make the industry more welcoming to the LGBTQA+ community. Also, I help with recruitment and retention," explains Lucy.

“I think with construction, they don’t automatically think of equity, diversity, and inclusion. It had come so far though as when I went on site two years ago, I was the only woman there. It was such a culture shock but if anything, it actually spurred me to do something about that.”

Lucy explains that an issue still occurring is unconscious biases and how we can train ourselves not to have those.

"I’d much rather you just tell me what you’re really thinking, accidentally say something offensive, and we can then have a conversation about it. I worry that other people shy away and not speak to me then not engage in any of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) stuff," she says.

Award-winning recognition

Lucy's work has not gone unnoticed. She was nominated for and has won a range of different awards. She says her proudest achievement was being shortlisted for Inspirational Leader of the Year at the British LGBTQ+ Awards in 2021.

"I was in a state of shock for about three months because it is a corporate award," recalls Lucy.

A firm advocate for Manchester's pride scene

Lucy is very active in her community - and wider afield - when it comes to helping forge LGBTQIA+ incusion and visibility.

Annually, the last August Bank Holiday week-end sees residents of Manchester - and those that come from afar - join together for the city's Manchester Pride Weekend.

Lucy played a significant role in supporting the occasion that saw a rainbow JCB be parked outside Manchester's large shopping centre, Arndale. Lucy and her colleagues encouraged families to come and take photos.

There was also a networking event, a big breakfast, and of course an impressive Pride Parade which saw Lucy and 75 of her colleagues support the march.

Well done Lucy for your tenacious advocacy and impact!