Women in Education

Tuesday, 17th October 2023 | Online

Women represent an overwhelming majority of the education workforce, yet they are significantly underrepresented in senior leadership positions. Across the education sector, from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities, women are not making senior leadership positions in adequate numbers. Women in Education seeks to provide current and future leaders with the skills needed to correct this imbalance.

The online conference Women in Education explores the role of leading women in the sector and offers practical advice and coaching on how to further develop your career in times of change. You will hear from inspirational speakers discuss together how you can manage the challenges of modern leadership and help ensure we don't lose momentum in recognising and rewarding female leaders across the education sector.

Why attend:

• Identify the unique leadership challenges and opportunities facing women in education today
• Understand when and how gender plays a role in both organisational and personal advancement
• Learn how successful women negotiate for what they need to be effective leaders
• Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and attributes needed to be a successful leader
• Raise the visibility of women as senior leaders in education
• Explore additional on-demand content on event day and in the weeks after the event
• Receive video recordings and speaker presentation slides for your reference after the event

Who should attend?

Women in Education is aimed at all those who aspire to move into a leadership role or those already in a senior role looking to progress. Presentations and workshops offer practical advice and coaching relevant to all women across the education sector, from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities.

9:10

Welcome and Chair’s opening address: examining the current landscape for women in education leadership

• Understanding why women are underrepresented in senior positions
• Outlining the cultural and practical obstacles to career progression

SPEAKER: Anita Devi, CEO of TeamADL

9:30

Addressing key barriers and enablers for women’s career progression 

• Leveraging strengths and tapping into the right resources
• Negotiating for what you need to progress your career
• Flexible working: identifying strategies to create the balance you require
• Seeking out mentorship and sponsorship opportunities

SPEAKER: Caroline Pusey, Director General, Department of Education

10:15

Dispelling imposter syndrome to fulfil your full potential

• The confidence gap: reframing perceptions of capability
• Acknowledging strengths and achievements to maintain a positive internal dialogue
• Defining your career goals and visualising success
• Finding the courage to lead authentically

SPEAKER: Carol Stewart, Founding Director, Abounding Solutions

11:00

Comfort Break

11:30

Communicating with confidence: laying the groundwork to communicate with impact 

• Top tips for delivering your message succinctly and confidently
• Managing adrenaline to think clearly under pressure
• Structuring your meetings and preparatory work for maximum effect

SPEAKER: Cath Baxter, Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

12:30

Managing difficult conversations: giving and receiving effective feedback in challenging situations

• Personal and external barriers that can prevent successful discussions
• Taking a problem-solving approach to gain positive results
• Holding difficult conversations with confidence
• Key tips and strategies for successfully giving and receiving feedback

SPEAKER:  Jasmine Mbye, Trainer & Coach, The Like Me CIC

13:00

Lunch Break

14:00

Menopause in the workplace: seeking support & conducting sensitive conversations 

• Seeking appropriate support and accessing organisational resources 
• Asking for required workplace changes or adjustments  
• Your role in managing

SPEAKER: Helen Clare, Menopause in Schools

14:45

Leading a change in culture: where do we go from here? 

• Raising the visibility of women as leaders in education
• Dispelling expectations around traditional leadership paths and behaviours
• The importance of lifting others as you climb

SPEAKER: Mary Stiasny, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of London

SPEAKER: Samira Sadeghi, Director of Governance, Confederation of School Trusts

15:30

Chair's Closing Remarks