Women in Public Finance

Thursday 22 June 2023, organised in partnership with Public Finance by Women

Despite significant progress in recent years, gender leadership gaps in the traditionally male-dominated field of finance persist and visible and invisible barriers continue to hold women back. Furthermore, there is a marked lack of data and support addressing the specific circumstances of women working in public finance.

The unique Women in Public Finance conference seeks to address this gap. The event brings together current and future leaders from across the sector to examine the role of women in public finance and the current and future challenges to leadership. Over the course of the day, senior leaders will offer guidance, coaching and inspiration on further developing your career, reaching empowerment and fulfilling your potential.

Why attend?

• Examine the barriers currently facing female leaders as well as the challenges to future leaders in public finance, and learn how to overcome them
• Understand when and how gender plays a role in both organisational and personal advancement
• Learn how successful women negotiate 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 public finance
• Create a lasting network of women leaders across the sector who are effecting change in public finance
• Receive video recordings of all sessions after the event

Who should attend?

The Women in Public Finance conference 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 public finance sector.

9:10

Chair’s opening address: examining the current landscape for women in public finance leadership 

• Understanding why women are underrepresented in senior positions 
• Outlining the cultural and practical obstacles to career progression that we will address today 

Gillian Fawcett, Founder, Public Finance by Women (PFW)

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

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

11:00

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 

Cath Baxter, Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant

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

Canan Piskin, Management Consultant, Mentor for Women in Finance

13:00

Lunch

14:00

Menopause in the workplace: seeking support & conducting sensitive conversations  

• Seeking appropriate support and accessing organizational resources  
• Asking for required workplace changes or adjustments   
• Your role in managing and supporting colleagues with menopausal symptoms

14:45

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

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

Roshana Arasaratnam, Executive Director, UK Government Investments

15:30

Chair’s closing remarks  

Gillian Fawcett, Founder, Public Finance by Women (PFW)