About CADS
CADS provides a comprehensive range of data-driven software and services to capture, manage and optimise space, whether you are a retailer, architect, contractor, public sector or commercial client.
About CADSRachel Simpkins, RM CADS Housing, Women in Tech- Part 7
We’re showcasing the amazing women at CADS for the third consecutive year, by celebrating Rachel Simpkins on IWD 2026. In the seventh instalment of this seven-part series, we speak to our Regional Manager at CADS Housing about Women in Tech.
Scroll
Rachel Simpkins, Women in Tech, CADS' Housing
Rachel joined CADS Housing in September 2022 and brings over 25 years of experience in building surveying, sustainable, energy efficient housing design, and Environmental Health.
Since 2005, she has volunteered as a Response Team member with the humanitarian aid charity ShelterBox Emergency Disaster Relief. Rachel is the organisation’s longest serving response volunteer.
Her first deployment took her to Sri Lanka following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. She has continued to support ShelterBox through their charity work across the world, ever since.
Meeting HM Queen Camilla
Last year, she had the honour of demonstrating ShelterBox aid items to HM Queen Camilla at the charity’s 25 year anniversary event. An especially proud and memorable moment in her volunteering journey.
Community involvement and volunteering
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys giving back to her local community through sport. She volunteers as a mountain bike ride leader for a local club. Rachel also leads Breeze women’s rides for British Cycling, helping more women gain confidence on the trails.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere and recognise the progress that has been made. It’s also a reminder of the importance of supporting one another.
This year’s 2026 IWD theme, “Give To Gain”, reinforces that message by encouraging generosity and collaboration. We continue creating environments where women feel confident pursuing careers that truly inspire them.
For me, it’s about championing equality and lifting each other up. We continue the momentum so more women feel empowered to follow the paths they are passionate about.
How does CADS support your training and career choice?
CADS has been supportive of my development, providing tailored training on the software and tools essential to my role. This has enabled me to contribute more effectively to the applications we develop within the English Housing Survey.
Discover the English Housing Survey
A government-commissioned survey, the English Housing Survey records information about the population’s housing circumstances and the condition of the UK’s housing stock.
CADS’ Housing Survey team has played a crucial role in fulfilling the English Housing Survey since 2002.
English Housing SurveyWhy did you choose to work in the surveying industry, using technology daily in your role?
After completing my degree in Environmental Health, my career naturally evolved toward surveying. I first experienced the potential of the profession when I became an English House Condition Surveyor in 2001. That was when I recognised the opportunities available to me within the field.
Since then, it’s been a steady and rewarding progression. Further degree-level qualifications have supported my development and led me to my current role at CADS. Surveying combines my interests in housing standards, environmental quality, and practical problem solving making it a career path that has always felt like the right fit.
In your opinion, why is it important that more women become involved in the technology industry?
It’s important for more women to enter the technology and surveying sectors because diverse perspectives lead to better solutions and stronger industries.
When I first started, it was unusual to see women in these roles. As stereotypes shift and opportunities grow, the profession is becoming far more inclusive and welcoming.
Encouraging women to step into these fields not only broadens representation but also helps shape an industry that reflects the communities it serves. The more women who join, the more normal and expected it becomes, opening doors for future generations.
My advice would be to explore the different areas within the industry and find the one that interests you most. There is plenty of support, growing representation, and an increasing number of inspiring women leading the way.
If you’re curious about the sector, give it a go it’s a career where you can continually learn and develop your skills.
What advice would you give to a woman considering working in your industry?
Surveying offers a wide range of career paths from land and commercial surveying to residential work, housing standards, and technical applications. No two days are ever the same, and that variety is one of the things that makes the profession so rewarding.
My advice would be to explore the different areas within the industry and find the one that interests you most. There is plenty of support, growing representation, and an increasing number of inspiring women leading the way.
If you’re curious about the sector, give it a go it’s a career where you can continually learn and develop your skills.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing women in your industry?
One of the biggest challenges for women in the surveying industry has been visibility historically. There were fewer women in these roles, which meant fewer role models to look up to. But as more women join the profession, this is changing quickly.
Each new voice helps shift perceptions and opens up opportunities for others. There is still progress to be made in achieving full representation at all levels. The growing number of women entering and excelling in the field is making the industry more inclusive, supportive, and diverse than ever before.
What emerging technologies excite you the most?
I’m particularly excited by the growing focus on energy efficient housing design and the technologies that support it. While we still have a long way to go to achieve true Zero Carbon housing, it’s encouraging to see innovative solutions becoming more mainstream.
Advances in materials, smarter building systems and more sustainable design approaches are driving meaningful change across the housing sector. For over 20 years, CADS Housing Surveyors have been delivering key statistical surveying data that supports this progress.
The English Housing Survey now actively measures environmental and energy efficiency improvements. It is encouraging to see how evolving technologies continue to shape the future of housing.
Read further articles in this series for International Women's Day
Interview with Retail Planner – Kanok Dennis
Spotlight on Senior Marketing Exec – Vicky Myhill
Interview with HR Advisor – Tilly Lee
Discussion with Project Leader in Retail Planning – Victoria Carr
Interview with Project Support Planner – Katie Stewart
Interview with Project Support Planner – Jade Wilkinson
Find out more about careers at CADS
-
-
Benefits, personal development & training
Choose a career with CADS and be part of a growing company that values all colleagues, offering rewarding projects and a great team spirit
Benefits and personal development -
Careers
We're always interested to hear from talented and motivated individuals who would like to join us in collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the business.
CADS Careers
