New CICES president Alison Watson MBE

Alison Watson MBE was appointed president of CICES on 18 September 2024 at the CICES AGM.

The founder and CEO of Class Of Your Own was received officially in front of guests at the Annual Dinner at King's College, Cambridge, where she outlined her intention for her tenure:

'As surveyors, we witness the ever-changing landscape of our world - but one thing remains constant: the need to pass on our knowledge.

'Time spent in education is brief but our influence can be unlimited, as I’ve seen in my everyday work in schools - and our support has never been more important.

'My presidential theme, 'Make space for education, is a call-to-action to our industry to ensure we don't allow our expertise to fade.

'We must actively engage with and inspire the next generation with the same care and attention we’d give our own children, so the vital role of surveyors in shaping the future of our planet and its people continues.

'I'm excited about the year to come and hope we’ll join together with one common goal - not just across the institution but throughout our industry - to shine the brightest of lights on our extraordinary world - the built and natural environment."

A crucial time in the industry

Alison's inspiring words were echoed by her predecessor and outgoing CICES president, Batsetswe Motsumi, who said:

'CICES members are honoured to call Alison our president.

'Her presidential theme; "Make space for education" comes at a crucial time in the industry, with society looking to civil engineering surveyors to show just how impactful they are in the delivery of critical infrastructure, as well as showing resilience in the human capital.

'Let's continue to educate coming generations and futureproof our skills.'