Workman has launched The Future Panel, a two-year programme giving seven employees the opportunity to contribute to the management of the firm.
The Future Panel, which will report to the firm’s management board, will take ownership of live projects that will shape how the firm develops. It will work on initiatives in areas such as HR, business development, IT, sustainability and finance.
The first panel members are Lucy Lennard, associate, property management (London); Tom Langman, senior associate, property management (Manchester); Paul Howes, senior facilities manager, facilities management (London); Iain McLean, senior associate, building consultancy (Glasgow); Rachel Trigger, associate, building consultancy (Bristol); Georgios Grigoriou, associate intelligent buildings engineer, IBOS (Bristol); and Joss James, accounts associate (Swindon).
The panel was developed by senior associates Imogen Foster and Glen Chandler
Foster said: “The mentoring programme showed me that senior colleagues want to hear new ideas, but there wasn’t a clear route for most people to share them. Some of the most valuable perspectives in the firm come from people who rarely get near a boardroom. Earlier in my career, a panel like this would have told me my ideas counted, and given me a reason to speak up sooner.”
Chandler added: “What excites me about the Future Panel is the opportunity to give people real responsibility beyond their day-to-day roles. It won’t just be a forum for discussion. Members will take ownership of live projects, work with colleagues across the business and have the opportunity to contribute directly to how Workman develops.
“For those involved, I hope it provides the same kind of opportunity that has made a difference to me throughout my career: being trusted to step up, take ownership and see the impact of your work. If we can combine that development opportunity with tangible improvements to the business, that will be a real measure of the panel’s success.”
Workman’s mentorship programme that inspired the panel is also returning for a second year this month. The programme pairs 22 mentees with partners and directors from other service lines and offices. Run with The Circle Partnership, it is aimed at colleagues at associate level, or equivalent, who may have recently completed their APC, taken on more client responsibility, or are now managing a team and stepping into a more demanding role.
Matt Pateman, managing partner at Workman, said: “Investing in our people means more than training. It means listening to them. The Future Panel came directly out of our mentoring programme, from two colleagues who saw an opportunity and acted on it. Between the panel and a second year of mentoring, we’re giving more people the support to grow and a real say in where the firm goes next.”
