Following on from Women in Property’s Building Balance Survey, which revealed that 50% of respondents have considered leaving the industry, Foundations for Change: Building the Balance in the Built Environment is about laying the groundwork for systemic change in how we work.

This event is designed to bring together industry leaders and changemakers to explore how we can create a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable built environment sector. The Building Balance survey highlighted ongoing challenges around workplace culture, career progression, flexibility and inclusion.

So, what are the foundations we need? Trust. A culture where flexibility is embedded. Leadership that leads by example – visibly working flexibly, championing it, normalising it. Systems that measure output not hours. Inclusive environments where people can bring their whole selves to work. Gender neutral approaches to career progression. Diverse talent pipelines and visible role models.

This half-day event we will lay these foundations together. Working with the Women in Business Charter and local organisations already doing this work. We will move beyond conversations to concrete, foundational change.

As part of the panel discussion we will hear from organisations that have begun building – what works – what’s harder than It look, what creates a real cultural shift.

Following a networking break, attendees will then take part in facilitated discussions around their tables and making commitments that they will start building on.

This isn't aspirational: we're asking attendees to leave with concrete commitments. This is where the actual building starts. 

This event is for Women in Property members, Women in Business Charter signatories, and industry practitioners ready to embed change. 

Members and non-members of all genders are welcome to attend, booking will be restricted to members initially.

Itinerary

• 9.30am – Networking and Refreshments
• 10.00am – Welcome from Coralie McKeivor, Chair of Women in Property Southwest and Sandra Gordon, Director of Women in Business Charter
• 10.05am-10.15am – Keynote: Rachel Bell, Director of Partnerships at Stride Treglown and Chair of Women in Property Limited Board 
• 10.15am-11.05am – Panel: Building Foundations in Practice - Lessons from the Sector
• 10.05am-11.15am – Break/Networking
• 11.15am-12.00pm – Round the Table: Building your Foundations
• Foundation 1:  Belonging - Creating spaces where everyone feels seen, supported and able to thrive.
• Foundation 2: Visible & Valued - Championing women to step forward, be recognised and lead.
• Foundation 3: From Conversation to Change - Turning evidence and discussion into meaningful industry impact.
• 12.00pm-12.20pm – Report Back and Commitments Shared.
• 12.30pm – close

Registration Deadline: 18 October 2026

Event Contact: Events Team