Abdul Rehman Savant CEng, MIET

Said the following about Shagufta Hussain:

“I have been fortunate to work with Shagufta on several occasions during my time in the Rail Industry. Shagufta has been the Project Manager on 3 of my recent projects and also 2 other projects within my team. Whilst working with Shagufta on these projects, I have experienced a very high level of professionalism in her approach, full of positive energy that really supports the team delivering the work. Shagufta has demonstrated from experience I have of working with her that she is firm in her decisions as a PM and also maintains integrity when supporting her team contractually. She knows how to follow the processes and procedures well and is brilliant at building great relationships with the client.

On several projects I have experienced some resistance or negativity from the client side when a PM stands firm to a process or if the PM maintains a contractual approach. However, Shagufta has a great skill of keeping the client on our side as well as getting agreements in place that support the delivery of the projects in accordance with our processes and procedures. Not only has Shagufta demonstrated on many occasions her expertise in securing further work or acceptance of change, but she has also managed to keep the client on our side in difficult times, such as when members of her delivery team are going through unforeseen circumstances. She manages to control the situation and communicate well with the client to agree a solution to a delay or delivery plan.

Shagufta does not only think about her role as a PM, but she also likes to understand the engineering taking place on her projects. To do this she does quite a lot of research and asks some great questions to put us as the experts on the spot. But this helps her to understand us as engineers and what we have to do to deliver her projects. Shagufta has also on a few occasions looked out for innovative and sustainable development ideas which can further help her projects and her team that are delivering for her. She has done this by growing a network of experts within the rail industry and beyond and also takes part in organising CPD seminars for others to gain further knowledge and understanding of the latest technology, engineering and developments.

Lastly, Shagufta has a very good understanding of quality management, finance and commercial elements which is a great support to her design team when trying to achieve a successful delivery to programme and budget. Shagufta is a person who is passionate about diversity and inclusion in Rail and is always aiming to promote and support such developments like Women in Rail and Engineering. Shagufta is a great role model and inspiration for the generations to come and is definitely a deserving candidate for the Rail Project Manager of the Year Award 2022.“