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Jacqueline Collins - Women In Leadership
Name: Jacqueline Collins (née Duncan)
Role: Retired Chartered Town Planner
Company/Organisation: Kent County Council, Bedfordshire County Council, Luton Borough Council
A bit about you: I have always loved maps and was inspired by the wonderful Miss Draper. I left school with two A Levels, and my first job was as a Junior Draughtsman in the Planning Department at County Hall. I quickly wanted a greater challenge and was fortunate to have eight years of part-time study sponsored by my employers, which enabled me to become a Chartered Town Planner. I led teams to create statutory Local Plans, wildlife strategies, and acted as an expert witness at planning inquiries.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? Love of geography and maps.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? Post Graduate Diploma in Town Planning. Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? Feeling that I made a difference and raised awareness of the role of statutory town planning.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? Sexual discrimination and bullying.
Why do you think it is important to have strong female representation in your industry? Women are highly skilled in enabling consensus.
What advice would you give to those wanting to take a similar career path? I could not do it now as the town planning world is highly politicised. People do though, and I admire them for it.
Is there anything else you would like to add about your job or about Women In Leadership? It is good to feel that I made a small difference to improving the environment in a very difficult political context.
