The Palace of Westminster, Birmingham town hall and Stonehenge are among the projects that have kept engineers at Gifford busy over recent years. But they are also working on something much closer to home — the Southampton-based company has invited staff to “design your own career”.

Employees are given all the training and encouragement they need to take control of their progression, including the chance to take on new roles within the company.

A positive score of 79% shows that staff consider the experience they gain from their job valuable for the future. There are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the organisation (69%, ranking the firm 19th).

The company provides specialist advice on design, heritage, development and regeneration, the environment and transport planning. Whatever their position, the company sponsors staff to study for relevant professional qualifications. Employees say the job is good for personal growth, giving a top 30 score of 79%.

People share their knowledge — after attending a training session, staff give feedback to colleagues and regular lunchtime meetings and discussion groups allow people to exchange ideas. This open culture is embodied by managers, who talk honestly and openly to staff (75%) and senior managers, who do a lot of listening as well as telling (68%).

Among the workforce of 733, there are 80 senior managers, so there is always someone available to talk to. People have confidence in the leadership skills of the senior management team (77%).

Staff are part of the decision making, and senior managers pass on feedback by chatting informally and through e-mails. Employees believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation (78%).

Staff say that profit concerns aren’t the only thing driving the consultancy (71%). Everyone is able to donate to charity directly from their pre-tax salary.

People believe the firm makes a positive difference to the world (72%). An international development programme gives engineers and scientists the opportunity to get involved in volunteer work overseas, all funded by Gifford. Two engineers recently visited Mali to help design and build a barrage, and staff are also involved in a water project in Nepal. Staff say that this support of worthy causes isn’t driven by a desire for good publicity (61%).

Employees believes the consultancy does what it can to protect the environment (75%). Its Southampton head office is an example of the company’s commitment to energy-efficient, sustainable building.

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