Welcome to the Women in Transport South West Hub
Our South West Regional Hub brings together transport professionals from Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
The South West Hub launched in March 2024 and has since held numerous virtual and in-person events. We are kindly supported by our growing community of local Women in Transport members and volunteers.
There are so many more benefits to becoming a Women in Transport member. Click here to find out more.
Once you are a WiT member, by engaging with the South West Hub you’ll have the opportunity to:
Meet and connect with WiT members from other organisations in the SW.
Attend a range of talks and events, centred around a variety of topics tailored to the region, related to technical and personal development.
Log CPD hours.
Have those ‘water cooler’ moments that we so often miss out on in the virtual / hybrid working world.
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Get to know our South West Regional Lead – Gillian Risdale
Gill is a Service Director at WSP in the UK. She came in the transport sector mid-way through her career after joining what was the Highways Agency in 2006 as an Operations Manager, as the Traffic Officer Service was being established in the South West Region.
Over the next twelve years, Gill worked across several roles supporting the delivery of services both on road, in the control room as well as in policy and project delivery. She joined WSP as the South-West and Wales Regional Director in the Highways sector in 2018. Gill has since moved into the Local Government sector, supporting the delivery of highways and transportation services to several Local Authorities.
Gill started laying the foundations for the South West Regional Hub in 2023, until it formally launched in March 2024.
“During the Covid lockdown, I engaged with many of the virtual events that Women in Transport were running. It was a lifeline and a great way to broaden my network and combat the forced isolation. After all restrictions were lifted, I wanted to start seeing people in person, but most events seemed to take place in London.”
“On speaking to Sonya Byers, the CEO of Women in Transport, she told me they were starting to develop regional hubs, but the South West didn’t have one. I wanted to start one and my employer company, WSP in the UK, supported me by covering the set-up fees.”
Gill is supported by a network of volunteers, which form the South West Hub Steering Group. We are passionate about all aspects of transport and overcoming the unique challenges we have here in the South West. Our region is an innovation centre and our aim is to bring create an inclusive and collaborative environment, connect likeminded professionals, to showcase the fantastic work of the hundreds of transport businesses and organisations and drive diversity in the sector.
What we offer
When you join Women in Transport, you’re not just gaining access to professional development resources and a platform to shape the future of transport – you’re becoming part of a movement that’s driving real change in our industry from the ground up.
If that sounds a little grand, think of it this way: you’ll be part of a really lovely community of people who come together to share experiences, learn and grow. It’s about connection, empowerment and making a difference on a local level.
Our South West regional hub was founded through the generous support of WSP. We also have members who work for the likes of Arcadis, WECA, WSP, Atkins, RAC Foundation, and KPMG.
Upcoming events in the South West
Coming to your first in-person event? No need to be anxious. Our events are relaxed and inclusive – you won’t be put on the spot or forced to ask questions. Get in touch if you’re planning to come along so we can say ‘hello’, or if you have any questions.
Latest news from the South West Hub
Our South West England Steering Group (click to expand)
Who we are
Women in Transport is a professional membership-based organisation open to everyone working in transport.
Our mission is to support women in the sector, empowering them to thrive in both their professional and personal lives while advancing their representation in the industry.
We believe that by working together, we can promote a diverse and dynamic transport workforce that powers UK growth.
Be part of our journey
There are a variety of ways you can get involved with Women in Transport:
Individual membership
Our annual membership provides access to events in the South West and beyond, plus volunteering and speaker opportunities.
Make sure you select the ‘South West’ region for tailored events and opportunities.
Volunteering
We’re always looking for new volunteers to help us run events in the South West and bring Women in Transport members together.
Corporate Partnerships
Our tiered sponsorship packages offer a flexible and accessible way for your business to support Women in Transport and meet your equality, diversity and inclusion objectives.
Corporate Sponsorship
We’re on the lookout for businesses in the South West to help us bring our calendar of events to life. If you are interested in organising shared activities for our members get in touch.
Women in Transport Events
Follow the link below for the full list of Women in Transport events across the country.
Contact the South West Hub
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the South West hub, please drop us a line at southwest@womenintransport.com or complete the form below.
In support of International Women’s Day 2025, the South West Hub organised a panel to help #AccelerateAction in the region. We also came together to celebrate, as March marks one year since the South West Hub was established.