The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) has presented its Bert Palmer Memorial Award to geospatial land surveyor Lauren Holland in recognition of her outstanding contribution to promoting civil engineering surveying.

The CICES Bert Palmer Memorial Award is presented to a member who has demonstrated excellence in the form of depth or breadth of technical knowledge or made an outstanding personal contribution to promoting the profession.

 

Lauren (pictured) is currently business manager for the education sector at Hexagon Infrastructure & Geospatial.

She has become a leading advocate for attracting new talent into the sector through her dedication to promoting surveying careers, supporting education initiatives and championing the civil engineering profession across industry and social media.

Speaking about receiving the top award, Lauren said:

"It is a huge honour to be presented with the Bert Palmer Memorial Award. Much of the work I do around education, early careers and promoting the profession comes from genuinely caring about its future, so to be recognised personally means a great deal.

"What makes the award especially meaningful is what it represents. Bert Palmer did so much to raise the profile of the institution and profession, and to encourage young people into the sector. To receive an award created in his memory is something I am incredibly proud of.

"I also see it as recognition of the many people and organisations I have been fortunate to work with. Promoting our profession is never something one person can do alone. It relies on industry, education and professional bodies working together."

Lauren joined Leica Geosystems in 2020 and now works at the intersection of industry and education, helping Hexagon support colleges, universities, apprenticeship programmes and training providers, while also working with industry partners to address skills challenges.

Based in Bedfordshire, Lauren joined CICES early in her career, becoming a member of the Tomorrow's Leaders Committee and volunteering with the institution's Southeast region.

Discussing her passion for civil engineering surveying, Lauren said:

"What I enjoy most about civil engineering surveying is the variety. No two days are the same, and the profession is involved in almost everything around us, although many people don't realise how broad it is.

I also love how technology-driven the profession is. We work with advanced equipment and software, from GNSS and robotic total stations to laser scanners, mobile mapping and reality capture solutions. While the technology continues to evolve, it all comes back to the expertise of surveyors and providing the accurate data that helps shape the world around us."

Lauren also highlighted the role CICES played in helping her build connections within the profession:

"When I first joined the profession, I didn't know anyone in the industry. I had no role models or mentors and wasn't sure where I fitted in. Then CICES visited my workplace and suggested attending a joint RICS and CICES Christmas event.

I walked into the room not knowing anybody, but I was immediately welcomed and made to feel part of the profession. Everyone was incredibly supportive, and hearing about the projects people were working on and the opportunities available was genuinely inspiring."

Alex Pearsall, immediate past president of CICES, said:

"Lauren's enthusiasm for civil engineering surveying is inspiring. She consistently raises awareness of the profession and the opportunities it offers through her social media presence and the events she speaks at, highlighting the vital role civil engineering surveyors play across the industry.

She has also been a dedicated CICES volunteer for many years, having first become involved through our Tomorrow's Leaders Committee.

I am delighted to see Lauren receive the Bert Palmer Memorial Award in recognition of her tireless efforts and commitment. She is a credit to the profession and also a role model for the next generation of surveyors."

 

Volunteer for CICES

Are you a member of CICES interested in volunteering for the institution and getting involved like Lauren? We would love to hear from you.

Learn more about our Tomorrow's Leaders Committee and regional networks and get involved today!