By: 21 November 2018
Yorkshire Women in Planning branch launches

Women in Planning, a network aimed at supporting and empowering women working in the planning industry, is launching in Yorkshire.

The Women in Planning organisation was founded in London in 2012 by Charlotte Morphet and Alison Mackay. Thanks to its success, it has expanded, with a Yorkshire branch launching in Leeds on 22 November with a party at Dirty Martini.

The free launch party was sponsored by commercial property firm CBRE and barristers’ set Kings Chambers. The network is free to join for those in the private, public and third sectors who support the group’s initiatives.

The group aims to champion diversity within the industry and promote gender equality. The Women in Planning network events are not exclusively for women. The network welcomes everyone in the profession—private, public sector, academics, third sector or students.

Constanze Bell (pictured), planning barrister at Kings Chambers and committee member, said: “We’re delighted to support the launch of Women in Planning in Yorkshire. Planning historically has been very male-dominated and it’s encouraging to see a network which nurtures women in the industry.”

“I look forward to seeing the Yorkshire network develop to rival the impressive North West network which Sarah Reid of Chambers helped to establish.”

Paul Tucker QC, Queen’s Counsel and head of the planning team at Kings Chambers, commented: “We are privileged to be able to sponsor the network’s Yorkshire launch and Kings Chambers looks forward to supporting the development of talent in the industry.”