WLN conference 2009 – Today’s and Tomorrow’s Leaders
Once again we have an exciting programme of inspirational speakers and practical workshops, building on the success of our 2008 conference which was attended by 100 women and men from the FE Skills sector. This one-day event starts mid-morning and takes place at the Hotel Novotel London St Pancras, a short walk from both Kings Cross and Euston stations and a direct underground journey from other mainline stations.
We hope that you and colleagues from your college or organisation will join us and that, if you have not already done so, you will consider joining the Women’s Leadership Network.
Book your place at the 2009 conference – I look forward to seeing you there.
Sally Dicketts
Chair, Women’s Leadership Network
(Principal of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College)
Research carried out in January and February 2009 by the Women’s Leadership Network showed
that of the 361 college principals in the further education sector, only 36 per cent were women.
Some progress has been made since the late 1990s when women comprised 25 per cent of principals in England. The current percentage of 36 per cent falls far short of what we would expect, however, when we consider that women constitute 63 per cent of the FE and skills workforce, that 59 per cent of teachers in FE are women and that 60 per cent of the managers in colleges are women (LLUK figures for 2006/07).
And we know that, in spite of the increases in BME principals, black and minority ethnic women continue to be under-represented at this level. When we look at the regions in England, we see some significant differences: in two regions, less than 25 per cent of principals are women.
So, how can we encourage more women to aim higher in further education? Our second annual conference will address the main factors as identified through our research: the importance of family-friendly policies in colleges; the need to develop skills for leadership; the establishment of non-discriminatory selection processes; how to make a successful application; setting up local support networks and the role of mentoring and coaching.
Why should you attend?
- Enhance your understanding of leadership and the role of leaders in further education
- Hear about how senior managers and principals play a key role in putting learning at the heart of the college’s activities
- Learn how to contribute to promoting equality in your institution
- Find out about the role of mentoring in career progression
- Network with inspirational leaders and peers in a supportive atmosphere
Who should attend?
- Leaders and managers in the FE and skills sector, including senior women and men, governors,
equality and diversity directors and managers, HR and staff development directors and managers,
principals and chief executives, and vice-principals
- All women who want to work in senior roles, and men who recognise the important contribution of women in their organisations’ capacity building, succession planning and talent management strategies, to ensure that the further education and skills sector has the leadership skills and capability to fulfil its crucial role in the economy and society
- We hope that men in the FE and skills sector will be interested in attending and we welcome their participation in the conference
Conference fee
- £195 delegate employed by a non-member organisation
- £150 delegate employed by a non-member organisation sending more than one delegate
- £130 delegate employed by an organisation which is a member of the WLN, or who is an individual WLN member
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Programme |
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09.00 – 10.30 |
Arrival – tea and coffee |
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10.30 – 11.00 |
Welcome to our second annual conference
Sally Dicketts, Chair, Women’s Leadership Network
Opening address: Maria Eagle MP, Deputy Minister for Women and Equalities
and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
for Justice
Followed by question time. |
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11.00 – 11.45 |
Keynote speeches: Today’s and Tomorrow’s Leaders
Penny de Valk, CEO, Institute for Leadership and Management
Sara Thornton, Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police
Followed by questions and answers |
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11.45 – 12.00 |
Break – tea and coffee in the exhibition area |
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12.00 – 12.45 |
Key role of the principal: keeping the focus on learning
Many are deterred from applying for the top jobs because they think it will distance them from learning – two principals argue that, on the contrary, leaders play an essential role in leading
on learning
Marjorie Semple, Principal, West Thames College
Janet Nevin, Principal, Ashton Sixth Form College |
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12.45 – 13.00 |
International voice:
Princess Adetopi A Kosoko, Registrar, Lagos State Polytechnic, Nigeria |
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13.00 – 14.00 |
Lunch, view exhibition |
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14.00 – 14.50 |
Women in selection and recruitment – a level playing field?
How to ensure equality of opportunity in selection and recruitment and, for applicants for senior posts, practical tips on how to present and
overcome the barriers
Peter Daley, Director, College Leadership Services, Protocol National |
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14.50 – 15.10 |
Break – tea and coffee in the exhibition area |
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15.10 – 16.30 |
Choice of four workshops |
A |
Keeping talented managers in the sector
How family friendly HR policies can encourage women and men with
primary care responsibilities to stay in the sector and seek promotion
Elaine McMahon, Principal, Hull College |
B |
Getting the most out of mentoring and coaching for career development
How could mentoring help your career progression? And what would you need to put into the process? Learn from the successful experience of the LSIS-funded BLI mentoring programme
Rajinder Mann, Director, Black Leadership Initiative |
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Three women principals describe their leadership style
Is there one successful style of leadership? To what extent can we remain ourselves when appointed to the top?
Chaired by Sally Dicketts, Chair, WLN
Heather Maxwell, Principal, South Devon College
Maxine Room, Principal, Park Lane College, Leeds
Cathy Walsh, Principal and Chief Executive, Barking College
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D |
Writing the successful CV
An opportunity to hear about the principles of good CV writing and how
to emphasise your strengths. Bring your CV and work with colleagues to receive and offer constructive criticism
Three experienced practitioners will guide the workshop.
Workshop facilitated by:
Vicki Fagg, Principal, College of North West London
Chris Tyler, Colleges Specialist, Association of School and College Leaders
Thalia Marriott, Director, Women’s Leadership Network |
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16.30 – 17.00 |
Closing plenary:
Report-back and the future of the Women’s Leadership Network?
Sally Dicketts, Chair, Women’s Leadership Network |
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17.00 – 18.00 |
Networking reception with refreshments in the exhibition area |
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Feedback from 2008
"Janet Beer was excellent – she provided a role model for leadership that was both effective and defined by her own identity."
Janet Smith
Director of Quality and Innovation South Thames College |
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"Thank you for organising and providing a worthwhile conference. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to attend and participate."
Hilary Stone
Vice-Principal: Operations
Oxford and Cherwell Valley College |
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"I enjoyed all the speeches – they were inspirational and encouraging. The benefits from today's learning will be on many levels - personal and professional. More of the same in future please."
Elivira Cosic
Management Accountant
College of North West London |
For press and PR contact Howardsgate |
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