Yvonne Ainsworth receives the John Mitchell Award

Yvonne Ainsworth receives the John Mitchell Award

The British Geotechnical Association (BGA) is pleased to announce that Yvonne Ainsworth of Taylor Woodrow has received the 2024 John Mitchell Award. She received the Award at an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Awards Ceremony in October 2024 and will give the BGA John Mitchell Lecture at the ICE in London on 21 January 2025.

The John Mitchell Award is presented annually by the ICE, based on a nomination from the BGA, for significant contributions in the field of geotechnical engineering. The award was instituted in 2008 in memory of the prominent geotechnical engineer John Mitchell of Arup, who was killed while observing piling works at a central London site in 1990.

The award criteria considered by the BGA include the following:

• In reflection of John Mitchell’s career, selection will favour practical applications of up to date geotechnical concepts or models (rather than advanced theoretical academic practice).
• The BGA will consider individuals, like John, who in the course of their careers via incremental works have made significant contribution to geotechnical practice.
• Notwithstanding the above, the BGA will in addition consider any contemporary practitioner who has instigated a major advance in the geotechnical field, thus opening the award up to the innovative, regardless of age or incremental contribution count.

Yvonne Ainsworth is a highly accomplished and professional geotechnical specialist in the piling and foundation fields, and who is a role model for professionals at all levels. She has a real focus on the future of our industry, including diversity and equality. She is a recognised technical specialist in her own right, but combines this with solid business acumen, great communication skills and great professional values. She is an inspirational leader and is passionate about driving innovation and continuous improvements in construction, particularly in piling.

Yvonne is a worthy winner of the John Mitchell Award.