To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, which takes place on 8 March, BE News is running a series of interviews with inspirational women who work across the built environment sector
Name: Caoimhe O’Flaherty
Job title: Senior health and safety manager, Berkeley St James
What I do: I am the health and safety lead for Berkeley St James on a multi-phase high rise development, White City Living, in West London.
Why I got into the property industry: After seven years working in the civil engineering sector, I became increasingly drawn to larger scale luxury developments. Living in London and passing these projects every day on the commute made me want to be part of building them, so I moved into property development in 2019. This gave me the opportunity to join a flagship London scheme.
How I did it: I built up my technical knowledge whilst carrying out a role as health and safety adviser and achieved the NEBOSH national diploma in occupational health and safety. I was motivated by the chance to influence projects earlier, to be involved across the full lifecycle and feel a closer connection to the final outcome. This steered me towards the role I’m currently in now.
My first proper job: After finishing my A-Levels, I took a year at home in London before heading to university, as I was unclear on what I wanted to study. During this time, I got a job in a civil engineering company providing administrative support in the health and safety team. It was meant to be temporary until I figured out my career path, but I ended up staying there for seven years and it became the start of my career.
My inspiration(s): My mum – she is the most hardworking woman I know. I also met so many inspiring women during my time as a mentee on the 2024 The Circle Academy cohort run by The Circle Partnership, which supports the development and retention of mid-level women working in the built environment. I was given real time, support and advice, especially from my mentor for which I’m very grateful. It also reinforced the strengths women bring to the workplace, as cultural contributors, natural influencers and connectors who build trust and relationships.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: As a young woman working in a site-facing health and safety role, credibility and influence didn’t always come easily. I faced resistance, was sometimes overlooked, and had to work harder to be heard, particularly in environments where authority was often associated with coming “from the tools”. That experience taught me the value of building strong relationships, earning trust and leading with professionalism and reliability in a role that is not always immediately embraced.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: On a personal level, buying a property in London. Professionally, being shortlisted for the ‘Inspiring Leader’ category at the Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering (IWCE) awards in 2024 – and going onto judge the 2025 entries.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s only about design and aesthetics. Design matters, but feasibility, safety, buildability and compliance often shape the end result.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The industry’s attitude towards workplace wellbeing. Wellbeing is created by how work is designed, managed, and led – it is a strategic necessity. People shouldn’t need exceptional resilience just to cope.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: We spend a huge portion of our lives at work. It is not just a place of employment, it should be an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued for who they are and their unique qualities.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: I grew up not far from the scheme I currently work at, so I care about community impact and how a development can benefit local communities rather than harm them.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I want to remain in a role that aligns with my values and still allows me to make a meaningful difference.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: I sadly lost my dad 14 years ago when I was aged 18. I’d love to have one more dinner with him. I’d also invite the DJ Annie Mac for the background music.
What I do in my downtime: Walking my dog Clover – a cheeky one-year-old pug. Plus, I am foodie, so always trying new restaurants and I love pilates.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: After renovating my home I grew a real interest in interior design, so maybe something around that.
My advice for someone just starting out: It is completely normal if you aren’t sure what career path you want to take. Sometimes the unconventional route is the best one! I’d also stress the importance of using your initiative. Don’t wait for work, ask for more tasks, volunteer for projects and push yourself outside your comfort zone.
My motto/mantra: Stick to your plan, not your mood! This is currently my phone background. It’s a work in progress.
