Celebrating 100 Years of Women in Surveying

It’s been 101 years since women across the country won the right to vote and make critical decisions that have shaped the society that we all have today! 

That momentous achievement was matched only a year later when parliament passed the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, allowing for the first time, women to work in many vital and highly-skilled professions that are essential to the economy and the nation – such as surveying. 

The very first woman to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor was Irene Barclay. 

After qualifying in 1922, Irene had a prolific and successful 50-year career and, perhaps most importantly, paved the trail for hundreds of thousands of women to follow in her footsteps.

In the run-up to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8^th March, we’re going to share the thoughts and stories of women at e.surv who’s flying the flag for women in surveying.

Women like Pamela Cherry AssocRICS, Let’s hear her story …

“As a relatively newly qualified AssocRICS surveyor, I’ve worked at e.surv for almost two years, through the graduate programme and beyond.  

“Undoubtedly e.surv employees are professional and hardworking but on the flip-side, no one takes themselves too seriously. I appreciate the relaxed working environment where I’m empowered to complete my work. Colleagues receive recognition where it is due. Upper management are approachable, and I’ve had contact with each of them – rare in such a large company. Feeling supported and encouraged allows talent to flourish.

“I would say, if you want to be part of a progressive company with a strong focus on becoming the trusted market leader, but who still care about and listen to their employees, then look no further. If you join e.surv with the right attitude, work ethic and values, the opportunity to climb up the company ladder is right in front of you.”

Jodie Farrington is an AssocRICS Surveyor and has recently joined e.surv’s APC Programme.

“e.surv’s Graduate Programme offers a fantastic opportunity to anyone who wants to pursue a career in Residential Surveying, particularly with a company that recognises the efforts of its employees. 

“Since joining e.surv, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience of this industry through the structured training days and one-to-one mentoring scheme. Throughout my training, I have had continual support and encouragement not only from e.surv’s committed and enthusiastic learning and development team but from those in senior management too.

“If, like me, you have a real passion for residential surveying and valuation, are motivated by recognition and rewards for your hard work, and want to achieve full qualification with the RICS, then consider a career with e.surv.

“The sky really is the limit here, there are real opportunities to flourish and develop professionally!’

And, just one more  –Beau Glasson AssocRICS said: :

“Before applying to join the e.surv graduate scheme, I was working as a Commercial Agency Surveyor with a small family-run organisation. But there wasn’t enough work for me and I started to get itchy feet. So I started researching and applying for other jobs in the property sector.

The opportunity with e.surv came up and applying to the e.surv Graduate scheme is the best thing I have done for my career to date. Since then, there has been continuous progression and this immediately gave me back my motivation and desire for success.

Four years on, I have had the opportunity to learn from experienced surveyors, meet other candidates in a similar position to myself, continued with my studying post education and am now progressing further by studying for my MRICS.”

100 years of women in surveying is certainly something to celebrate – particularly with International Women’s Day just around the corner. 

Through comprehensive training, support and a vibrant market – there’s never been a better time for any woman to consider a career in property! Learn more about how we can help you grow into a  residential Surveyor by learning more about our Training Scheme!