Women Shaping the Future of Traffic Management at TMO.

As part of FIR Week, we spoke with three women at TMO Highways about their experiences in traffic management, the importance of fairness, inclusion and respect, and what more can be done to encourage diverse talent into the industry. Their journeys, insights and achievements demonstrate that while progress has been made, there is still more work to do to ensure everyone can thrive.

Different Paths, Shared Success

One of the strengths of the traffic management industry is that there is no single route into it.

For Kirsty, a long career in construction in London led her to TMO when she returned to Norfolk. Finding a role in Responsible Business that aligned with her experience gave her the opportunity to apply her skills in a new part of the construction sector.

Jasmine’s journey was very different. Coming straight from education without a clear career plan, she joined TMO as an Office Junior and has since progressed into the planning department as a CAD Planner, building her expertise in traffic management from the ground up.

Sasha brought experience from logistics and transport planning, joining TMO as Operational Support. Her previous knowledge transferred naturally into the role, allowing her to continue developing within a fast-paced operational environment.

Despite their different backgrounds, all three were drawn by the opportunity to learn something new. Whether it was the appeal of a fresh challenge, a dynamic working environment, or the chance to explore a new sector, they have found rewarding careers within traffic management.

Creating Fair Opportunities

When discussing progression, all three agreed that opportunity should be accessible to everyone.

Jasmine’s own career progression is evidence of what can be achieved when people are given the chance to develop. Sasha highlighted the wide range of training opportunities available, including Mental Health First Aider training, while Kirsty noted that both TMO and the industry more broadly have made significant strides in creating pathways for development.

For them, a fair workplace is one where everyone is treated equally, respected regardless of their background, and given the same opportunities to succeed.

The support of colleagues has also played an important role in their careers. Jasmine credits Andy Rayner with helping her develop her knowledge and confidence. Sasha highlighted the support received through training opportunities and from colleagues including Terry Simpson and Joe Gant. These examples reinforce the value of investing in people and creating environments where individuals can grow and thrive.

Inclusion Matters

Feeling included is not just about being present; it’s about feeling that your voice is heard and valued.

While Kirsty and Sasha reflected that they had not always felt included in previous roles throughout their careers, both agreed that their experience at TMO has been positive. Jasmine has consistently felt valued and included within the business.

The women identified several actions that make the biggest difference in creating a sense of belonging:

• Listening to people’s views and perspectives.
• Asking for opinions and genuinely considering them.
• Including everyone in conversations, decisions and workplace events.
• Ensuring people feel welcomed and supported from their very first day.

Jasmine noted that in a traditionally male-dominated environment it can sometimes be easy to feel on the outside, but being included and treated equally makes all the difference.

The Importance of Representation

When asked about encouraging more women into traffic management and construction, all three were unanimous about the importance of visible diversity.

Kirsty summed it up perfectly: “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”

Seeing women succeed in the industry helps challenge outdated perceptions and encourages others to consider careers they may not previously have thought were open to them. Jasmine believes that as more women enter traffic management, others will be more likely to follow, while Sasha stressed that visibility demonstrates that women are every bit as capable as their male counterparts.

Building Respectful Workplaces

Respect was a recurring theme throughout the discussion.

For Kirsty, respect means treating everyone with consideration and recognising personal boundaries. Jasmine described respect as ensuring people are included rather than excluded from important conversations and opportunities. Sasha emphasised professionalism and being mindful that language, humour and behaviour do not make others feel uncomfortable.

The team also highlighted several positive initiatives at TMO that demonstrate respect and inclusion in action. Recent wellbeing activities such as lunchtime Walk and Talks and International Women’s Day events have brought colleagues together in a positive and supportive way. Training initiatives, including neurodiversity awareness and Mental Health First Aid training, have also helped build understanding and create a more inclusive workplace culture.

To encourage open communication, they pointed to opportunities such as one-to-one discussions with managers, the company’s employee engagement platform, Stribe, and regular opportunities to share ideas and feedback.

Challenges Still Facing Women

Although progress has been made, challenges remain.

Kirsty believes greater visibility of women across all areas of the industry is essential and would welcome more flexibility within operational roles. Jasmine highlighted that physical differences can sometimes create barriers and suggested that more accessible solutions and equipment could help ensure roles are suitable for a wider range of people.

Sasha raised concerns around sexual harassment and the importance of continued awareness and training, as well as the need for equal pay.

Encouragingly, all three have seen significant improvements in recent years. Better-fitting PPE designed specifically for women, stronger policies addressing unacceptable behaviour, and greater advocacy for women across the construction sector are all helping to create positive change.

Inspiring the Next Generation

When asked what they would say to young women considering a career in traffic management or construction, their advice was simple and powerful.

“Just go for it.”

“Prove to yourself that you can do it.”

“If anyone can, you can.”

For Kirsty, one of her proudest achievements has been mentoring and supporting young women entering the construction industry, helping others overcome barriers that she experienced throughout her own career. Jasmine is proud of her progression from Office Junior to CAD Planner, while Sasha takes pride in stepping into a completely new industry and building her knowledge from scratch.

Looking Ahead

If they could change one thing about the industry tomorrow, their answers focused on tackling unconscious bias, challenging stereotypes and changing mindsets.

While there is still work to do, their message was clear: progress is happening. By continuing to promote fairness, inclusion and respect, supporting diverse talent, and treating people with the kindness and respect we would expect ourselves, the traffic management industry can become an even more welcoming place for everyone.

At TMO Highways, we are proud to celebrate the women helping to shape our business and our industry. Their experiences show that when people are given the opportunity to contribute, develop and belong, everyone benefits.

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