Women in Planning establishes regional division

A network aimed at supporting and empowering women working in the planning industry is launching in the North West next year.

The Women in Planning organisation was founded in London in 2012 by Charlotte Morphet and Alison Mackay. It is now expanding, with a North West branch launching in January 2018.

Jill Bell of SBW Planning is chair, Rhian Davitt-Jones of Cushman & Wakefield is vice-chair, and are joined by Sarah Reid, barrister at planning law set Kings Chambers, and other planning professionals on the committee of the group, which is open to women working across planning in the private, public and third sectors.

Speaking about the formation of the group, Sarah Reid of Kings Chambers said: “We’re excited to expand Women in Planning into the North West and build on the great work that’s already been undertaken during the five years the organisation has been in operation.

“Our group has been formed to recognise and support the achievement of women across all sectors of the industry in the North West. By sharing our collective knowledge and ideas, by celebrating our successes, by creating a supportive environment where experience can be shared, and by creating opportunities for professional development, we hope to promote equal opportunity and equal representation for women in our profession. Ensuring that talented women in the profession can fulfil their potential and personal goals is what we are all about, and we hope that our group will help promote those values in our region.

“Our aim is create an inclusive network of planning professionals within the North West. Whether you are a student or a director, or a professional in private or public practice or an academic, you are welcome to join us. It’s totally free to become a member.”

The inaugural Women in Planning North West event, sponsored by Osborne Richardson and Kings Chambers, will take place at Artisan in Manchester from 5.30pm on Thursday 25 January.

There will be additional events throughout the year organised by the committee. The first will be a ‘Planning Your Career’ event, with tips from speakers across the profession, which the committee hopes to organise for 8 March 2018 to coincide with International Women’s Day.