Elevate case study: Matt Byatt
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The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers
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Elevate case study: Matt Byatt

A Fellow of IStructE, Matt is Director at Subteno Ltd, where he draws on decades of experience across the UK construction industry and the energy sector, acting as a mentor for the Institution's Elevate mentoring programme.

Matt's leadership has been shaped by the mentors who guided him at key points in his career, and this, he says, is why Elevate feels so important.
 
“Looking at my own career, I’ve relied upon key mentors at key stages of progression. All professionals, especially engineers, have a duty to make sure they help the people coming up behind them. People helped us, so we must give back to the profession.”
 
That philosophy was central to his Presidential theme in 2023, when he championed mentoring as a pillar of professional growth. IStructE’s Elevate mentoring programme, launched in 2024 and since then has provided the platform to turn that vision into reality.
 
 
<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Matt Byatt, past President (2023) and <em>Elevate</em><em> </em>mentor&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

                           Matt Byatt, past President (2023) and Elevate mentor      

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Matt Byatt, past President (2023) and <em>Elevate</em><em> </em>mentor&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
Over the past year, Matt has mentored three members—each very different, some known to him beforehand and another a new connection. What has struck him most is that even as a mentor, the process is reciprocal. “We have helped each other out. I’ve gained from speaking to the person I’m mentoring. It’s a win-win for everyone if we support each other.”
 
Matt is also mindful that not everyone has access to mentors within their workplace. “In small or medium-sized practices, or multidisciplinary organisations, there may not be a natural mentor available. Elevate does a wonderful thing in bringing people together, giving those without immediate access to senior members of the profession the chance to find guidance.”
 
For Matt, the value of Elevate lies in how it reflects the Institution’s core purpose: sharing knowledge and setting standards to safeguard public safety. “What better way to do that than by mentoring? By increasing the knowledge and ability of others, we strengthen both the profession, and the structures society relies on.”
 
Looking ahead, Matt hopes to see Elevate expand across all career stages. “From students and graduates, through to incorporated or chartered membership, and even post-Fellowship mentoring for those taking on business or leadership challenges—it would be wonderful if Elevate became something people almost take for granted because it’s always there.”
 
As Elevate marks its first anniversary, Matt’s reflections underline its role as a cornerstone of professional life. Rooted in reciprocity, it is not just about giving back—it is about building a stronger, more connected profession for the future.

Find out more about Elevate