24 June 2026
Vistry brings Women in Construction 2026 to Lambeth, inspiring future talent and championing inclusion
Vistry, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer, through its partnerships business Countryside Partnerships, has successfully delivered its second annual Women in Construction 2026 event at Lambeth Town Hall, bringing together local residents, partners and industry leaders to champion social value, inclusion and access to careers in construction.
Over 150 attendees were able to engage directly with 20 different employers and partners, gaining practical advice on entering the sector, developing their skills and navigating career pathways across a wide range of roles - from site-based positions to careers in social value, sustainability, planning and community engagement.
Hosted in collaboration with Be Lambeth, a Lambeth Council skills and employment initiative dedicated to supporting residents, employers, and training providers across Lambeth, as well as housing associations Peabody and Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), the event focused on the role the construction sector plays in creating lasting positive impact within communities - from opening doors to employment and skills development, to strengthening local economies and improving lives.
Building on the success of last year’s award-winning programme, the event returned to Lambeth with a strong emphasis on creating accessible pathways into the industry for local people, particularly women who remain underrepresented across many roles.
Throughout the day, panel discussions explored the wider impact of construction beyond physical development, with a particular focus on:
- Delivering meaningful social value through partnerships and regeneration
- Creating local jobs and training opportunities for local people
- Supporting skills development and career progression
- Encouraging greater diversity and representation across the sector
- Building inclusive workplaces through allyship and leadership
A standout session, “Social Value: Beyond the Bricks and Mortar”, explored how construction can act as a catalyst for community benefit - from employment and education to wellbeing and long-term economic resilience.
The event also highlighted real-life success stories, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of partnership-led initiatives. Attendees heard from individuals who have progressed into the industry through previous programmes, underlining how targeted engagement and sustained support can create lasting change.
Clare Bates, Chief People Officer & General Counsel at Vistry, commented: “Creating lasting social value sits at the heart of everything we do. Events like Women in Construction are a powerful way to connect local people with real opportunities, while showcasing the breadth of careers our industry has to offer. By working in partnership with organisations such as Be Lambeth, Peabody and MTVH, we are helping to break down barriers, open doors and support more women into rewarding careers in construction. It’s vital that the communities we work in can access and benefit from the opportunities we help to create.”
Cecile Bouchet, Economic Inclusion Lead at Peabody, commented: “Bringing together experienced and passionate professionals and women exploring careers in construction has been a catalyst for inspiring and honest conversations. We are very proud of this ongoing partnership between developers, housing associations and councils which sends a strong message that there is strong and collective commitment to supporting women into well-paid, high-growth careers in construction.”
Jasmine Dorsett, MTVH Work and Skills Specialist, added: “We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that is unlocking opportunities for residents, championing women in construction and placing social value at the heart of real, lasting impact.”
As part of its long-term commitment to Lambeth, Vistry Group is already working closely with Lambeth Council to deliver its housing ambitions, including the regeneration of Clapham Park - the borough’s largest estate - which will deliver more than 4,000 refurbished and new homes, over half of which will be affordable.
In addition, Vistry has formed the Lambeth New Homes Hexagon strategic partnership with the council, which will deliver around 500 new homes and two new community hubs across six sites, further supporting the borough’s housing and regeneration priorities.
Together, these programmes reflect Vistry’s focus on ensuring that development delivers not only new homes, but also meaningful, long-term benefits for local communities.
The Women in Construction event forms part of Vistry Group’s wider commitment to delivering social value through its developments, ensuring that investment in housing and regeneration translates into tangible opportunities for residents.