IMPACT THROUGH DIVERSITY
Reflecting our valuable partnership, the Women’s Leadership Network joined forces with the Network for Black Professionals for this year’s conference on 26th May, supported by LSIS and Protocol National. The 210 participants found the sessions to be inspiring and informative and their suggestions will help us make next year’s conference even better.
Lord Herman Ouseley (above), the conference keynote speaker, urged that we show personal responsibility for our own professional development, for fighting poverty and discrimination and that we focus our energy and resources to inspire the next generation to be aspirational.
The chief executives of the national FE supporting organisations, Martin Doel (AoC), David Collins (LSIS) and Sue Dutton (LLUK) (above) all spoke of the importance of achieving diversity within a context of financial challenges and policy changes.
HMI Gloria Dolan clarified the major importance placed on equality and diversity by Ofsted’s revised common inspection framework.
The audience really enjoyed listening to the three principals (above) Nick Brown, Stella Mbubaegbu and Maureen Mellor, recounting their journeys to leadership.
There was wide acclaim for the workshops, run by sector specialists on Recruitment, Finance, Impact at Interviews, Challenges for FE, Coaching and Mentoring and Harvesting Diversity as a Principal.
Here is a selection of responses the participants made on their evaluations:
“The whole day has been a reminder of why I do my job – to make a difference to learners.”
“In the workshops, some excellent discussions on diversity!”
“I shall take the opportunity to engage in mentoring as a springboard for promotion.”
“It was great to hear such a large group of women and BME delegates talking as one voice.”
“The whole day has been significant and very meaningful, thank you.”
“The day has been filled with some insightful information. The speakers were very inspiring!”
“Great for networking, lunch was brilliant too. I have learned loads”
“Interesting day – inspired me to explore promotional opportunities.”
“Comments by the 3 Principals were most interesting and meaningful. I particularly enjoyed
listening to individual personal journeys and their leadership style.”
“Guest speakers talking about their success stories including their personal values and influences and the fact that anything is achievable.”
“I was impressed by how much was built into the day – very good value for money”
“The day gave me time to reflect on E&D about how to develop new ideas further in the college.”
“I really appreciated sharing views with like-minded individuals and benefiting from new knowledge about developing leadership within the present political situation and recession.”
More pictures from the event:
The audience
The conference sparked lively debate amoung the delegates
Sally Dicketts Chair of WLN, and
Robin Landman OBE, Chief Executive of Network of Black Professionals
There's much for the delegates to discuss at the coffee break
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