London group Women in Planning expands with North West branch

A network aimed at supporting and empowering women in the planning industry is expanding into the North West.

Women in Planning will be led in the region by chair Jill Bell, vice chair Rhian Davitt-Jones and barrister Sarah Reid, who works for Manchester firm Kings Chambers.

Supporting the group’s North West committee will be a number of other female professionals from a variety of backgrounds, the organisation said.

Membership is open to women working in planning across the North West in the private, public and third sectors.

Sarah Reid said of the launch: “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.”

She added: “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.”

Speaking further, Sarah said ensuring that talented women in the profession are able to fulfil their potential and personal goals “is what we are all about”.

She continued: “We hope that our group will help promote those values in our region. Our aim is to 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.”

Women in Planning was founded in London in 2012 by Charlotte Morphet and Alison Mackay.

The group will launch on January 25 at Artisan, Manchester.