Insight
Women in Leadership Forum holds debut in-person event
24 Sep 2025
Elizabeth Hardwick-Smith
Group People and Culture Director
Established in 2023, Pick Everard’s Women in Leadership Forum was created in response to our Gender Pay Gap results and a clear need to accelerate the progression of female colleagues into senior roles across our multidisciplinary practice. In a sector that remains heavily male-dominated, the forum provides a space for female Associates and above to connect, share experience, and shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Our aim is clear and urgent: to bring greater representation and balance to senior positions within Pick Everard and empower the female voice. Current internal data suggests there are around four men to every woman at Associate level and above, underscoring the case for sustained action.
Working collaboratively, the forum has set objectives spanning reshaping people practices, investing in development, and challenging assumptions, all to increase female hires and senior promotions. Central to this is an open platform that enables existing talent to speak up and participate in decision-making alongside current leadership.
“The women in leadership forum has allowed me to have conversations with women in management that I maybe wouldn’t have had before. And it’s given me the opportunity to ask them questions I would have been afraid to ask without that relationship.”
— Hannah McLellan, Associate - Architecture
“In the future we would like to see more women in the top leadership roles, board and Operations director level, so we have those role models within the business at the very top levels throughout the business.”
— Jenny Curtlin, Director - Structural Engineering
The forum uses a mix of online meetings, in person networking events and has recently held its first conference. Topics have included sponsorship over mentorship, transparent pathways to promotion, confidence in the boardroom, and practical steps to reduce barriers to progression. It is also a stepping stone for wider inclusion, supporting not only women but colleagues from other under-represented groups.
“I’ve found the forum very beneficial, It’s allowed me to meet other women across the business, across different offices, and get their perspective on how they find being in the world of construction.”
— Zoe Carter-Nisbett, Associate Director - Building Surveying
At our inaugural conference, the Women in Leadership Forum welcomed Kat Stride, Executive Coach, who facilitated leadership development sessions for the group, and Jane Leonard, an inspirational female leader and adventurer. The group also considered how best to engage female colleagues at all levels and how to measure success.
“I think the women in Leadership forum has been a fantastic conference. I have really enjoyed being able to meet the different participants from the Pick Everard office. I think it has been a great opportunity to empower women and look at how we can take steps further to encourage more women to take on leadership roles and being their full selves to work every day”
— Olivia Watson – Artelia UK
By amplifying female leadership, we strengthen our culture, enhance decision-making, and deliver better outcomes for our clients and communities.