International Women's Day 2026: Give to Gain

For 115 years, people and organisations around the world have come together to celebrate International Women’s Day. To recognise women’s achievements, highlight ongoing challenges and take action to support greater equity. In our latest insight, we explore how mentoring embodies the spirit of this year’s theme, Give to Gain and the positive impact it’s having across our sector.

Supporting the WiFCERM Mentoring Scheme

We’re proud to continue supporting the Women in Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (WiFCERM) mentoring scheme as an affiliate member. The scheme plays a vital role in empowering women across the FCERM community by creating opportunities to learn from one another, build confidence, and strengthen their professional networks. It provides a supportive environment where participants can explore career development, gain insight from experienced colleagues, and feel encouraged to take the next steps in their professional journey.

Over the past year, we’ve had several colleagues take part as both mentors and mentees, contributing their time, knowledge and lived experience to help foster a more inclusive and resilient FCERM sector. Their involvement not only supports the development of others but also brings valuable learning back into our teams, helping us grow collectively.

Thomasin Shorrock – Mentee

“The great thing about this programme is the cross-section of mentors and mentees from across the industry and different organisations. This range of perspectives helps you to consider wider ways of working over and above the standard procedures in your organisation or department. I was a mentee in the ‘Becoming an effective leader’ mentoring group. My biggest takeaway is that, despite the variation between our roles, we are all too often subject to self-doubt and imposter syndrome. It gives us hope and confidence that women leaders across the industry are all taking on similar challenges and being open about them.“

Joanne Woodhouse – Mentee

“I have found the WiFCERM mentoring scheme to be an incredibly valuable and empowering experience. It was very worthwhile to meet with a group of women, outside of JBA but within the same industry, regularly to openly share experiences, learn from one another and build meaningful professional connections. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to grow professionally, whilst being part of an inspiring and collaborative network.“

Lance Dawkins – Mentor

“I’ve enjoyed my time as a mentor on the WiFCERM programme. It’s been great to meet new people from outside JBA and to see them grow in confidence over the year. I think I’ve learnt a lot from them too. I’d certainly recommend becoming a mentor to anyone interested.“

Anna Beasley – Mentor

“I have been a WiFCERM mentor on the ‘Confidence and personal presence’ topic for 2025/26. I have been working with a very engaged group of five women, from the Environment Agency, Defra and other consultancies, who’ve all been working in the industry for around 3-10 years. They’ve been really willing to take part and share their thoughts and experiences with the group. We have had monthly online meetings, and a couple of face-to-face meet-ups, and have covered subjects including presenting, imposter syndrome, networking, job transitions, managing conflicting priorities, leadership and goal setting. Being a mentor has challenged me to think more deeply about my own strategies for self-confidence. It has been a two-way process, and our group discussions have given me plenty of ideas and tips to bring to my own working life. “

Our JBA internal mentoring programme

Alongside our involvement with WiFCERM, we’re continuing to strengthen mentoring opportunities within JBA. Our own mentoring programme offers a structured and accessible way for colleagues to support one another across teams, offices and technical disciplines. It’s designed to help people at all stages of their career feel connected, encouraged and equipped to grow.

The programme creates dedicated space for:

open conversations about career development.
skills sharing and practical guidance.
confidence building.
stronger connections across the business.

Our mentoring programme forms an important part of our wider commitment to helping people thrive at every stage of their career. By offering supportive, meaningful development opportunities, we’re investing not only in individual growth but in the collective strength of JBA as a whole.

'Give to Gain' in practice

Across both the WiFCERM mentoring scheme and our internal programme, one message stands out clearly: Give To Gain. It emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. Mentoring doesn’t just support individual development - it helps build a more resilient, skilled and collaborative FCERM community. Every shared insight, every piece of guidance and every supportive conversation contributes to a stronger network and a more confident workforce.

As we mark International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating not only the progress made across our sector, but also the everyday actions that help create a more inclusive, connected and forward‑looking community. Mentoring is one of the most powerful of those actions. It uplifts voices, encourages participation, and ensures that people at every stage of their career can feel supported and valued. By championing these behaviours, we continue to shape a culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Want to know more?

Explore our latest career opportunities here.