The Women's Leadership Network aims to develop a strong, dynamic and influential network of women leaders, to ensure equality of opportunity throughout the FE system.

Women's Leadership Network Conference overview

Research carried out for the Women’s Leadership Network and the Centre for Excellence in Leadership in 2006 found that while women were well represented in further education management, there was still a significant glass ceiling effect in senior management and governing bodies. Between 50 and 60 per cent of first-line and middle managers were women, but females accounted for only 28 per cent of college principals in England.

This compares favourably with the commercial sector, where women occupy only 5 per cent of the top jobs, but more work is needed to redress the imbalance. Promoting an inclusive and equitable approach to people management is vital if the sector is to meet the needs of learners and mitigate the impact of a looming succession crisis.

The introduction of the Public Sector Duty on Gender Equality in April 2007 offers another compelling reason why colleges and providers need to take the issue seriously. The legislation lays a general statutory duty upon all public authorities to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunity between men and women.

Our first conference will bring together sector leaders and managers to hear about the experiences of top women leaders in education, share best practice and examine ways to promote the progression of more women to leadership roles in the FE and skills sector.

Why should you attend?

• Hear top female leaders in FE discuss their key challenges and achievements
• Hear what progressive colleges and providers are doing
• Share experiences of recruiting, developing and retaining female talent
• Network with inspirational female leaders and managers
• Take part in practical workshops aimed at helping your career progression

Who should attend?

Leaders and managers in the FE and skills sector, including principals and chief executives, vice‑principals, senior women, governors, equality and diversity directors and managers, HR and staff development directors and managers.

	Programme
	09:30 – 10:00	Arrival – tea and coffee
	10.00 – 10.10	Welcome – our vision for the network Sally Dicketts, Chair, Women’s Leadership Network
	10.10 – 10.25	Keynote speech: Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education
	10.25 – 10.40	Keynote speech – lessons from experience Professor Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor, Oxford Brookes University
	10.40 – 11.00	Questions to the panel
	11.00 – 13.00	Workshops (coffee will be served) A Can we have it all? Tips on work-life balance. B Look like a leader – update your image, get noticed, get promoted. C Defining your route to success – get the career you want. D Power and authority – do women have to behave like men to get to the top?
	13.00 – 14.00	Networking and barbecue lunch
	14.00 – 16.00	Workshops (coffee will be served) A Can we have it all? Tips on work-life balance. B Look like a leader – update your image, get noticed, get promoted. C Defining your route to success – get the career you want. D Power and authority – do women have to behave like men to get to the top?
	16.00 – 16.30	Closing plenary. What do you want from the Women’s Leadership Network? Sally Dicketts, Chair, Women’s Leadership Network
	16.30 – 18.30	Champagne reception in the piano bar

Speakers

	Sally Dicketts Sally has been principal and chief executive of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College since October 2003. She is chair of the Women’s Leadership Network and serves on several other boards.
	Bill Rammell MP Bill Rammell MP has been Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education since 2005. He is responsible for post-19 policy and for funding across the FE, skills and HE sectors.
	Professor Janet Beer Professor Janet Beer is Vice‑Chancellor at Oxford Brookes University. She is a board member of the HEA and chair of its Academic Council, a board member of the Equality Challenge Unit and HEPI.

For more details, please contact Tina Fahm on 07789 735 890 or simply email tinafahm@wlnfe.org.uk

Frequently asked questions