Changing the narrative in a diverse sector

Leader of the Asphalt Programmes at our Centre for Mineral Products, Dr Helen Bailey has achieved the unusual position of holding honorary officer positions simultaneously at both the Institute of Quarrying and the Institute of Asphalt Technology.

Helen will be building on her outstanding knowledge of the mineral products sector by completing an MSc in Sustainable and Ethical Business Management, to support the integration of sustainable business practices into the sector.

Helen's achievements are a testament to her hard work and determination. Her successes are changing the narrative by creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.

Helen's journey so far

With over 17 years of experience in research, development, integration and delivery of challenging strategic projects in the mineral products sector, Helen was elected into the officer roles by her peers who see her as a change agent at this important time for the sector.

Already with a background in technical aspects of mineral products and being a chartered engineer, Helen has recently embarked on the University of Derby's MSc in Sustainable and Ethical Business Management. The mineral products sector faces significant challenges concerning the circular economy and delivering Net Zero carbon and Helen wants to ensure the students are appropriately skilled to tackle these challenges.

This course will build upon her experience and already impressive skillset, to further develop her ability, as a responsible leader, to embed sustainability, ethical and social responsibility into business practices.

Ambassador for the sector

Committed to continuous improvement and capable of driving change, Helen is an active member within the sector and is transforming the narrative for women. She is sparking change by constantly innovating to address evolving global challenges, meeting shifting demands with agility whilst achieving timely, effective and efficient results.

Chris Bussell, PVC-Dean (Science and Engineering), adds,

"Congratulations to Helen for achieving Honorary Officer positions at both the Institute of Quarrying and the Institute of Asphalt Technology. This is one of Helen's many achievements in the industry and she is continuing to make an impact by furthering her skill set with an MSc in Sustainable and Ethical Business Management, Helen is an asset to our institution and the minerals sector."

The pathway to achieving climate goals

The knowledge that Helen gains from the course will be an asset to the minerals products industry as she will be able to offer her expertise to companies who are transitioning to net zero.

“Global challenges (such as achieving the 1.5°C ambition and being on track to reach net zero by 2050) and future orientated scenarios are complex, uncertain and should not be underestimated. Businesses will need to mobilise and display climate leadership to achieve real change and influence action within society. This programme supports the reframing of approaches and considers holistic and sustainable change in the context of future generations which is vital in supporting the transition to net zero, developing new playbooks and embedding into the DNA of organisations”

With this new knowledge Dr Bailey will also be better equipped to advice clients as to the risks and opportunities arising from sustainability through her now 10 years trading consulting practice, The Driven Company Associates.