insights What would your employer do if life stopped you from delivering?
Meet Claire Dickenson, a talented environmental and sustainability expert thoroughly committed to engineering a better future. She's a Chartered Environmentalist and IEMA Fellow, working in the central Engineering Net Zero (ENZ) team at AtkinsRéalis.
When Claire returned to work from maternity leave, she firmly believed that being back at work and "doing something for me" would make her a better mum. However, the universe had a different plan for her family.
Claire, before we get to your personal story, tell us what you "ACTUALLY" do during a day in your life #InsideAtkinsRéalis.
I'm the Whole Life Carbon Management Lead in the Engineering Net Zero Team, driving the Net Zero strategy across the business. My role focuses on connecting the digital agenda with the carbon challenge and seeing how we can transform our design process. My current focus with my team is developing or enhancing processes, workflows and tools that can be automated as much as possible and integrated into our projects to drive down carbon emissions for our clients.
I also chair AtkinsRéalis' Sustainability in Design Technical Network globally. I'm responsible for building the worldwide technical network, supporting learning and knowledge-sharing, building capability, driving external engagement and communication, and enhancing delivery and win-work strategies.
What happened that changed the trajectory of your career?
After my daughter was born in November 2019, I returned to the world of work filled with excitement. In March/April time 2021, everything began to change when my daughter was diagnosed with a rare blood disease, autoimmune neutropenia of childhood. Because of this, she's on neutropenic sepsis protocol.
Every time her temperature goes over 38˚C, she's admitted to hospital until her blood cultures are clear—no bacteria in her blood. This means a minimum of three to four days and nights in hospital at a time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, only parents were allowed on the ward and only one at a time. So we couldn't even have friends or family sitting with her for a bit while we took a breather. This meant either my husband or I had to be there at all times.
What impact does the treatment have on your daughter and you?
In late July 2022, we had our eighth hospital admission since May last year, with five since January. Each hospital stay takes its toll on my daughter, and it's understandable. She's locked in an isolation room where she's poked and prodded and has high-strength antibiotics pumped through her veins. Afterwards, we have a clingy and emotional two-year-old for a few weeks.
As you can imagine, every admission also affects my husband and me. Through this experience, I've had my own emotional journey too, and I'm so grateful to our friends and family for their support.
"I can see why parents can end up leaving the workforce, and I was so close to that point at times in 2021."
(Photo credit: Katie Huggins)
What was work life like following your daughter's diagnosis?
I had a lot to come to terms with, and I had to learn what my daughter needed from me as her mum. My daughter's condition has meant that she can't be in regular childcare or mix with anyone who is ill, so it has been challenging to find stable childcare.
I had to realize that I couldn't deliver in the same way I used to professionally. What I had envisaged being my work-life post-maternity leave needed to look very different. I have to admit, there was one phone call with my line manager where I found myself in tears, and I nearly threw in the towel. However, I am so passionate about the work I'm doing at AtkinsRéalis. I really believe in creating a more sustainable future, and I love my role.
What kept you at AtkinsRéalis?
I'm thankful to AtkinsRéalis and all the wonderful people I work with for their support. The organization worked with my line manager and me to find me a new role. I can now flex work around the constraints of my current personal life and still deliver on the massive Net Zero challenge we all face. My team members have helped me pick up the pieces over the last year and not once but twice accommodated changes to my working hours since all this happened.
It's definitely been a journey! But I am so glad I've reached a point where work is manageable and flexible, and I can still contribute. I had to obviously accept change. For example, I had to give up leading a team I loved, but the balance is really good now, and I can be present and support my daughter as she needs.
As we all know, Covid has not gone away, nor have other illnesses. Going forward, how is AtkinsRéalis supporting you to protect your daughter's sensitive immune system?
I have found AtkinsRéalis and my colleagues incredibly flexible and accommodating to my needs. I do not feel anyone has made me feel less valued because of my changes in working hours or responsibilities. AtkinsRéalis is very flexible about where I work. Digital technology means I can work and join in with meetings from anywhere. I can flex my hours as I need to across the week, especially around hospital admissions or sickness-related childcare issues. AtkinsRéalis does a lot to include everyone and support those who are going through a challenging time.
Thank you for being brave enough to share your personal story. It will inspire many parents in similar circumstances. What made you speak out?
I suppose I wanted to share how great AtkinsRéalis has been at adapting a role for me around my big and unexpected life change. Ultimately, it's what's allowed me to stay working. I wanted to tell the story to let people know it's okay to speak up for your needs and work with your line manager if changes are needed. We live in a much more blended world now, and the work-life balance, especially with additional challenges, is really important.
The reality for me is lots of parents in our Facebook autoimmune neutropenia support group have had to give up work due to this disease. I'm so glad I can still help to make a difference. I know that one day I'll be able to pick up more again when hopefully, my daughter outgrows this childhood disease. *Fingers crossed.*
Learn about the many ways we support different employees inside AtkinsRéalis.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/08/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that sustainability is more than just a goal - it shapes everything we do. For over a decade, our team members, like the one you'll meet today, have b
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportuniti
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
We interviewed Turki Ghesheyan on his experience with the AtkinsRéalis Saudi Graduate Program. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Turki, I am an Architectural Engineer who graduated from
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we have a team of local, regional, and international experts in the UAE who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the market to meet the needs of our clients. The UAE i
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Sherif, and I work at AtkinsRéalis in London. As a principal fire engineer, I'm proud to "engineer a better future" every day here, specifically as our work relates to shaping
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi! I'm Alina, an associate director specialized in transport infrastructure engineering. I lead the North-West Estimating team in Project & Programme Services here in Manchester. Over the past
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Across the evolving landscape of the Middle East, Architects play a large part in designing and planning complex building structures that are in line with groundbreaking innovation. The constructio
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
In the fast-paced world of consultancy, architecture, and project management, the need for forward-thinking leadership and innovative strategies has never been more critical. At AtkinsRéalis, we
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/13/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Dilini! Two years ago, after completing my doctorate in structural fire engineering, I began practicing in the UK fire engineering industry. I'm proud to have contributed
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/12/2024
Summary
Career prospects in the aviation industry in the Middle East are promising at present with further growth expected in the coming years. Some prominent Dubai aviation engineering projects include
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/12/2024
Summary
The 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia and the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup are both set to take place in the bustling and evolving KSA. The AFC Asian Cup 2027 will mark th
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Architectural Engineer, in Riyadh KSA.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engin
Reference
R-119224
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-115218
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
JOB OVERVIEWThe Rolling Stock & Depot Equipment Manager is responsible for overseeing the O&M contractors performance relating to maintenance activities pertaining to Rolling Stock & Depot Equipment o
Reference
R-121480
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Linxon - NewCo
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Job Title: Senior Project EngineerLocation: Riyad, Saudi ArabiaJoin Linxon!We combine AtkinsRéalis project management expertise and Hitachi Energy’s deep technological knowledge to create a company de
Reference
R-121343
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Linxon - NewCo
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Job Title: Senior Project Manager Location: Western Area/ Saudi ArabiaJoin Linxon!We combine AtkinsRéalis project management expertise and Hitachi Energy’s deep technological knowledge to create a co
Reference
R-121339
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Nuclear
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Job Summary:We are seeking an experienced Nuclear Specialist to join our Nuclear team in Riyadh. The ideal candidate shall have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the nuclear industry or e
Reference
R-121177
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Human resources
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
As a provider of multi-disciplined technical services to the built environment AtkinsRéalis in Saudi Arabia is committed to design excellence in the delivery of first class solutions which combine inn
Reference
R-121052
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Masterplanning & urban design
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bet
Reference
R-121019
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Consulting & advisory
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Manager Sustainability, in UAE.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering
Reference
R-120729
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Human resources
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading Design, Engineering and Project Management organization. Created by the integration of long-sta
Reference
R-120600
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more