My route to chartership with CIWEM: Ashleigh Brown

29 August 2025

A senior wastewater modeller at AtkinsRéalis shares her journey to becoming a chartered water and environmental manager

As a senior wastewater modeller at AtkinsRéalis, I manage the development and delivery of wastewater solutions across Northern Ireland. My role focuses on addressing challenges related to flooding and combined sewer overflows.

A key aspect of my work is delivering blue green solutions – those that integrate natural systems as part of the solutions and promoting long-term sustainability.

Choosing a chartership

Since beginning my career I was made aware by senior colleagues of the importance of chartership; how it is a recognised milestone. CIWEM appealed to me because, after attending many of their events, it felt like an institution that shared my values, especially in regard to sustainability.

Preparing my application

Gaining membership of CIWEM (MCIWEM) in 2022 gave me a strong foundation for the full chartership process. I identified areas where I needed more experience and, through regular development reviews with my mentor, sought out relevant projects to strengthen those competencies. The biggest challenge was finding dedicated time to write my competencies and career report.

A two-month secondment to our Bangalore office provided the perfect opportunity to focus and complete my application. I enjoyed reflecting on my career, though some competencies were more difficult than others – particularly shifting from ‘we’ to ‘I’ when describing my contributions.

I was lucky enough to have a very supportive line manager who acted as my mentor. This was beneficial as they knew me and my career well and were able to facilitate any opportunities to further my experience. I co-founded a CIWEM support network at AtkinsRéalis, which proved invaluable as it provided me with extra motivation to keep going with the application and share ideas and advice.

Preparing for the professional interview

I chose a topic for my presentation that showcased my progression from graduate to technical lead and project manager. This allowed me to highlight key achievements and demonstrate how my responsibilities have evolved over time. I also made sure I was up to date with the latest environmental topics by listening to CIWEM’s Planet Possible podcast.

I arranged two rounds of mock interviews: one with colleagues familiar with my work and another with individuals outside wastewater. This dual approach helped me refine my responses, ensuring I could clearly communicate my experience and expertise.

In the interview itself, I was nervous at first, but once I began presenting, I relaxed. The panel made it feel more like a conversation, and I enjoyed discussing my career and achievements.

My top tips for getting chartered

1. Keep your CPD [continuing professional development] up to date – it’s much easier than trying to backtrack.
2. Build a support network – mentors, colleagues and peers can keep you motivated.
3. Believe in yourself – if you wait until you feel 100 per cent ready, you may never start.

How has being chartered benefitted you?

Achieving chartership has been a significant milestone. As someone who has occasionally experienced imposter syndrome, gaining this professional recognition has greatly boosted my confidence, affirming not only my capabilities but also my success. The chartership process broadened my perspective beyond wastewater, helping me to better understand the wider environmental context and how my work contributes to it, even in small but meaningful ways.

It has opened doors to career progression within my company and has strengthened the trust my clients place in me to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions.

Next steps

I am heavily involved in CIWEM’s Northern Ireland branch, establishing the region’s first early careers group and serving as junior vice chair. In a few years I will get the opportunity to be the chair of the network: it will be challenging but I am very excited about it.

At AtkinsRéalis, I aim to continue growing in my role by championing the integration of blue-green infrastructure into wastewater projects across Northern Ireland. My goal is to help shape more sustainable, resilient urban environments through innovative and environmentally conscious engineering solutions.

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Want to become a chartered water and environmental manager? Find out more at ciwem.org/membership/chartered-member.

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2025 print edition of The Environment. CIWEM members can read the issue in full (and all back issues dating back to 2016) via MyCIWEM. You can also stay up-to-date with our free monthly 'The Environment' newsletter – subscribe here.

Ashleigh Brown is a senior wastewater modeller at AtkinsRéalis