We are proud and delighted to announce that RLB UK Board Member and former Global Board Chair, Ann Bentley has been honoured in her home town, Birmingham with a honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University.
Ann, who is a Visiting Professor in Construction at the University, received the award in recognition of her longstanding service to the built environment, and exceptional service to the University.
Andrew Reynolds, RLB Chief Executive and Global Board Director, comments, “This accolade from Birmingham City University recognises Ann’s contribution both to the University itself and also the wider construction sector. Ann continues to be a leading light in the industry – helping drive policy with her work with the Construction Leadership Council and the Construction Innovation Hub as well as nurturing the next generation of professionals. RLB is proud to have been part of Ann’s journey and to celebrate this outstanding achievement with her.”
“I feel extremely proud to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University,” continues Ann Bentley.
“Birmingham has been my home for the last 35 years and I have watched the city, and the University, grow in stature and confidence. Through my role at RLB, I have had the pleasure of working with Birmingham City University (BCU) on academic and pastoral projects and I am always impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff and students.
“Over the last few years, I have been working on cross-industry initiatives which make a positive change to how the industry operates and how it is perceived. This Honorary Doctorate is fabulous recognition of this work, and I would like to thank BCU for recognising me in this way.”
Ann, who is a visiting lecturer at several UK universities, began her career as a civil engineer for British Rail in 1982 – joining RLB in Birmingham in the mid 1980s. She has gone on to make significant positive changes in the construction industry and pave the way for a diverse and socially mobile workforce. This includes her work as one of the founders of Birmingham City University’s David Bucknall Scholarship – a financial award made to Birmingham-based property and construction students from under-privileged backgrounds.
Nationally recognised for her expertise in regeneration and collaborative working, she sits on several converted construction industry boards and is a member of the UK Government’s Construction Leadership Council. She also sat on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Independent Expert Advisory Panel on building safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
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