Foundations for Change: Building the Balance in the Built Environment
Exclusive signatory event | 22 October 2026 | Burges Salmon, Bristol | 9.30am to 12.30pm
The Building Balance survey highlighted ongoing challenges in the built environment around workplace culture, career progression, flexibility and inclusion. This half-day event, in partnership with Women in Property South West, brings together industry leaders and changemakers to lay the foundations for real change.
So what are those foundations? Trust, embedded flexibility, leadership that leads by example, systems that measure output not hours, inclusive workplaces, and diverse talent pipelines with visible role models.
Hear from organisations already doing this work, then join facilitated table discussions and leave with concrete commitments. This is where the building starts.
Speakers
Rachel Bell, Director of Partnerships, Stride Treglown (Keynote and panellist)
An architect with 25 years' experience, Rachel has chaired Women in Property regionally and nationally. She hosts the podcast Stand Tall with Rachel Bell and has won numerous awards for her contribution to the construction industry.
Helena Stylianou, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Burges Salmon LLP
A former dispute resolution lawyer, Helena leads Burges Salmon's diversity task force, turning the firm's diversity and inclusion objectives into action plans.
Temba Mahari, EDI Business Partner, UWE Bristol
Temba works with staff, students and senior leaders to build inclusive cultures, with a focus on gender equality and intersectional inclusion.
Itinerary
9.30am: Networking and refreshments
10.00am: Welcome from Coralie McKeivor, Chair of Women in Property South West, and Sandra Gordon, Director of Women in Business Charter
10.05am: Keynote: Rachel Bell
10.15am: Panel: Building Foundations in Practice, Lessons from the Sector
11.05am: Break and networking
11.15am: Round the Table: Building Your Foundations (Belonging; Visible and Valued; From Conversation to Change)
12.00pm: Report back and commitments shared
12.30pm: Close
This event is for Women in Business Charter signatories, Women in Property members and industry practitioners. People of all genders are welcome; booking will initially be restricted to members.
Registration deadline: 18 October 2026