Women in Property has appointed Chithra Marsh, associate director of Buttress architects, as the organisation’s new national chair. Marsh takes on the role for one year from 1 March with a remit to continue to grow and evolve Women in Property, which was founded in 1987.
She was formerly chair of the North West branch of Women in Property, is co-chair of RIBA North West’s equality, diversity and inclusion committee and is a RIBA national and regional council manager. Marsh is also a strategic ambassador for PLACED.
Outgoing national chair, Nicola Jones, senior project manager at Gleeds, will support Marsh in her role, as will Jennifer Winyard, senior strategic land manager at Barratt Homes who becomes national vice chair on 1 March.
Marsh said: “Everything Women in Property is about chimes with the principles of social value. We have always been committed to inclusion, engagement and an equitable society and, with our terrific membership of built environment professionals, are intent on ensuring these become fundamental in all development.
“This year we will be using our national webinar programme and in person events – many of which will be CPD-accredited – to address core topics including community engagement, social enterprise, sustainability, biodiversity, housing, education and of course gender. People first, community first.”
Gavin Sorby, managing director of Buttress, added: “Chithra is a true visionary in encouraging and leading women in the sector. This year will be an exciting one for Women in Property and we look forward to supporting its work.”
Women in Property is holding its first national conference in 20 years on 20 April, in Bristol, under the banner ‘Women leading the future’. Sessions will include inclusive design and public realm, social anthropology, mentoring and the psychology of business, as well as a panel discussion. The event is open to members and non-members.
