Catriona Macdonald

Experience

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  The University of Glasgow

  Sept 2010 - May 2013

  My doctoral research, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, was an historical study of regional policy as a response to unemployment and industrial decline in postwar Britain. The thesis explored experiences of work and industrial relations at a British Motor Corporation vehicle assembly plant established in 1961 to provide jobs and stimulate economic growth in the former mining town of Bathgate, West Lothian. I used detailed archival research alongside the oral history testimony of former Bathgate workers to examine the broader economic and social dimensions of regional policy - including the emergence of a more typically ‘affluent’ working class - and engage with wider debates over the longer-term decline of British industry, the perceived role of trade unions in this decline, and the experience in Scotland and in Britain of economic decline and deindustrialisation. Show less

  • PhD Candidate

    Oct 2009 - May 2013

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant

    Sept 2010 - Apr 2013
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  The Scottish Government

  Oct 2011 - Dec 2011

  Research Officer (intern)

  Between October and December 2011 I completed an ESRC funded internship with the Scottish Government. As a social researcher in the Rural Analytical Unit, I worked on a project which focused on building stronger rural communities, and assets-based approaches to community development. Strengthening communities is a theme which is currently central to a range of policy initiatives across Government, and my project aimed to share knowledge and experience between directorates currently engaged in such work, identify any opportunities for co-operation and collaboration, and highlight any lessons that could be learnt particularly in the rural context. Show less

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  AECOM

  Jun 2013 - Oct 2015

  Socio-economist

  During my time at AECOM, I developed experience in policy research, impact assessment and appraisal, both for specific projects and in support of local development plans. I worked on numerous equality impact assessments (including for Phase One of High Speed 2 rail) as well as health impact assessments, sustainability appraisals, and economic needs assessments for local authority clients. I was also involved in providing housing needs advice and support to neighbourhood planning groups.My policy work included qualitative research for public bodies and central government departments including the Department for Communities and Local Government, Defra, the Forestry Commission, and Natural Resources Wales. Show less

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  Arup

  Oct 2015 - Apr 2024

  Senior Consultant

  Between 2015 and 2024 I worked as a senior socio-economist at Arup, based in the Bristol office and working across the West region and more widely. I developed a broad range of experience in economic and socio-economic assessment for major infrastructure projects, in the transport and energy sectors in particular. I led EIA socio-economic and land use chapters including for DCO projects. I am also an equality specialist, and have been responsible for undertaking the equality impact assessment (EQIA) for a number of high profile projects. Alongside my impact assessment work, I have expertise in qualitative research and was responsible for leading research into the value of investment in renewable electricity infrastructure in Wales. I am also an accredited Better Business Cases practitioner, familiar with the Green Book and other methodologies including WebTAG and WelTAG. Show less

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  ERM

  Apr 2024 - now

  Managing Technical Consultant

  I am a Managing Technical Consultant in the Social Sustainability team at ERM, responsible for managing socio-economic inputs to environmental impact assessments for major infrastructure developments, covering tourism, recreation, land use and health aspects, as well as employment and GVA. Since joining ERM I have worked primarily in the renewables sector, on projects in the onshore wind, offshore wind, and solar energy spaces, as well as grid connections and associated infrastructure. I also contribute socio-economic analysis to helpunderstand and articulate the potential social value of renewables projects, and to make the economic case for investment. Show less