Women in Business Charter - Annual Impact Event

Women in Business Charter: Annual Impact Event 2026

Join the region's most progressive leaders, changemakers, and advocates to move the needle on true gender equity. True workplace inclusion requires addressing the deep systemic gaps that women face daily.

Come collaborate, share data-driven strategies, and engage with lived experiences that will empower your organisation to build a workplace where all women can thrive.

• Headline sponsor: Great Western Credit Union
• Impact Report Sponsor: BM Inc
• Event Space Sponsor: Bristol City Council

-The Lineup

Our 2026 agenda brings together trailblazing experts to share best practices, confront biases, and lay out actionable roadmaps.

• Welcome & Charter Progress Update: A reflection on our collective achievements, impacts, and progress over the last 12 months, hosted by Charter Director Sandra Gordon.
• Panel Discussion | Signatory Progress: Sharing Best Practice & Insight: Hosted by Charter Director Sarah Rice, this panel features confirmed leaders including Dr. Natasha Bennett (Director of Operations, Simitive) and Frances Bathurst (UHBW) sharing real-world successes, challenges, and actions driving meaningful change.
• Lead Sponsor Keynote Address: Strategic insights and reflections from James Berry (Great Western Credit Union).
• Panel Discussion | AI & The Impact on Women at Work: Hosted by Dr. Zara Nanu MBE (University of Bristol), featuring Joyann Boyce (Responsible AI Consultant, InClued.ai), Laura Gemmell (Co-Founder & Technical CEO, Taught by humans), and Katherine Ferris (Strategic AI Adoption Lead). Together, they will explore how AI is reshaping the future of work, the risks of algorithmic bias, and how to respond inclusively.
• The Future of the Charter: Charter Director Kristal McNamara outlines the next steps for WiBC expansion, including collaboration opportunities and the launch of our new Gender Equity Matrix Framework Assessment tool.

Ageing Powerfully – Traci Lewis breaks down the economic and cultural importance of menopause-friendly workplaces to retain experienced talent and close the gender pay gap.

Trauma-Informed Workplaces – Megan Andrews (Green House) sheds light on the hidden workplace impacts for survivors of child sexual abuse and how employers can build genuinely safe environments.

SOAR: The Framework That Changes Everything – Charmaine Edwards Lynch shares a deeply moving, personal exploration of what it takes for women to rise into leadership while navigating the complex intersections of race, gender, identity, and ambition.

-Networking Reception

We close the session with an opportunity to continue conversations, build connections and share ideas.

Accessibility, Inclusion & Media Compliance

We are deeply committed to creating a space where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and respected.

• Venue Accessibility: The venue features full level access and is fully disability safe. Please specify any dietary, accessibility, or learning adjustments you require on your booking form so we can best support your experience.
• Photography & Media Notice: A photographer/videographer will be capturing moments throughout this event to celebrate our community. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please let our team know at the registration desk upon arrival, and we will happily provide a way for you to opt out.

Book today to claim your space at the 2026 Impact Event - tickets are free for signatories.

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Host or Publisher Bristol Women in Business Charter