Empower Advisory

Kathleen O’Grady

Regional Lead Southwest UK - Nuclear

Qualifications

Bachelor of Built Environment - Architectural Studies - Queensland University of Technology | July 2010, PCQI - Practitioner level - Chartered Quality Institute | 2022, CSCS Card – Construction Skills Certification Scheme | 2024, Introduction to NEC4 Contracts - KierBAM | 2023, ISO 9001: 2015 Internal Auditor (QMS) - Bywater | 2023, CQI Quality in Construction - Abbassi Ltd | 2022, PSS and SC UK government

Affiliations

Associate member of the Nuclear Institute

Kathleen joined Empower in 2024, bringing extensive expertise in Quality Assurance across high-profile nuclear and defence projects. Her experience includes pivotal roles at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and Devonport submarine dockyard. Notably, she played a key role in the handover and commissioning of upgraded dry dock infrastructure, enabling the refurbishment of the first Astute class submarine in HMNB Devonport.

In addition to her Quality Management role on various nuclear infrastructure projects, Kathleen carries out the role of Regional Lead within the Empower organisation. She is responsible for the people management, accounts, and business development for South-Western UK. She has recently led a quality systems assessment for Sizewell C nuclear power station and has been involved in AUKUS infrastructure reviews.

With over 15 years of management experience, Kathleen brings a proactive approach to problem-solving and excels at organizing complex projects in a clear, structured manner that is easily communicated across all levels of the organization and to clients. In her role, she consistently fosters strong, trusted relationships with all stakeholders, both during project delivery and throughout the early contractor involvement phase. Through her in-depth knowledge of construction processes and regulations, Kathleen ensures all aspects of quality and project management are delivered to the highest standards.

Her expertise covers a broad range of standards and procedures including ISO, BS, DEFCON, DEFSTAN, ONR (Office of Nuclear Regulation) License Conditions. She is Empower’s representative for the Nuclear Industry Association, and is a member of the Nuclear Institute, Women in Nuclear, and the Chartered Quality Institute.