Women into Leadership Belfast

Thursday 22nd February 2023 | Belfast
in partnership with the FDA

Now in its thirteenth year, the annual Women into Leadership conferences have established themselves as the key events for all those interested in seeing leadership opportunities for women enhanced. Women into Leadership 2023 will examine how female leaders, at any grade, can enhance their skills to become the leader they aspire to be.

This year's conferences will draw on feedback from previous Women into Leadership events, as well as discussions that took place at this years’ planning meeting. The conferences will offer hands-on advice and coaching on how to further develop your career in times of change. You will hear from inspirational women of all grades and levels, within and outside the Civil Service. You’ll discuss together how you can manage the challenges of modern leadership and help ensure the Civil Service doesn’t lose momentum in recognising and rewarding female leaders.

The benefits of attending Women into Leadership include the opportunity to:

• Examine the barriers currently facing female leaders (and future leaders) in the Civil Service and hear how to overcome them
• Hear from a diverse range of Senior Civil Servants, as well as inspirational leaders from outside of the Civil Service
• Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and attributes needed to be a successful leader
• Design your own breakout session schedule, based on your own needs and aspirations
• Learn how to be an effective leader
• Network with peers and counterparts from across Government who are also contemplating furthering their career in the Civil Service

Register your place today

8:30

Registration

9:15

Chair's Welcome and Introduction

Vicky Johnson, Former President, FDA

9:30

Permanent Secretary Opening Address

Leading and learning through adversity: providing confident and empowering leadership in challenging times

Madeleine Alessandri CMG, Permanent Secretary,  Northern Ireland Office

10:05

Transition to breakout sessions

10:15

Breakout Session A

Preparing for your next role: are you ready for a promotion?

Richard Hillsdon, Dods Trainer

10:15

Breakout Session B

Reclaiming your Space: tools for success in a hybrid working environment.

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

11:15

Comfort break

11:45

Morning Plenary Address

Authentic and courageous leadership: using challenges and triumphs to power success

Catherine Shannon, Human Resources Director, Northern Ireland Civil Service

12:20

Transition to breakout sessions

12:30

Breakout Session C

Getting through the Sift and the Interview: understanding what influences the selectors

Richard Hillsdon, Dods Trainer

12:30

Breakout Session D

Speaking so that others listen: key tools for impactful communication

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

13:30

Lunch

14:30

Afternoon Plenary Address

Leadership starts with you: leadership as a choice, not a position

Marsha Osivwemu, Head of Border Infrastructure Delivery, Cabinet Office

15:10

Closing Address

Leadership in action: lifting others as you climb

Susan McKay, Author & Journalist

15:50

Chair’s Closing Remarks followed by Networking Drinks

Vicky Johnson, Former President, FDA

Women into Leadership is aimed at all those who aspire to move into a leadership role or those already in a senior role looking to progress.