Women into Leadership Edinburgh

Thursday 11 May 2023 in Edinburgh | In partnership with the FDA

Now in its 13th year, the annual Women into Leadership conferences have established themselves as the key events for all those interested in enhancing leadership opportunities for women. Taking place in Edinburgh, the Women into Leadership conference will examine how female leaders, at any grade, can enhance their skills to become the leader they aspire to be.

The conference 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, 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 as well as the challenges to future leaders in the Civil Service, and learn 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 careers in the Civil Service

Register your place today

8:30

Registration

9:15

Chair's Welcome and Introduction

Catherine Mcmeeken, Deputy Director, The Scottish Government

9:30

Permanent Secretary Opening Address

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

Melanie Dawes, Former Permanent Secretary; Chief Executive of Ofcom

10:05

Transition to breakout sessions

10:15

Breakout Session A

Introversion in Leadership: unleashing your quiet power

Carol Stewart, Foundin Director, Abounding Solutions

10:15

Breakout Session B

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

Richard Hillsdon, Dods Trainer

10:15

Breakout Session C

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

Gillian Russell, Director of Health Workforce, Scottish Government

12:20

Transition to breakout sessions

12:30

Breakout Session E

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

12:20

Breakout Session F

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

Richard Hillsdon, Dods Trainer

12:20

Breakout Session G

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

Karina Singh, Director of Function, Profession & Standards Infrastructure and Projects Authority

15:10

Closing Address

Leadership in action: lifting others as you climb

15:50

Chair's Closing Remarks

Catherine Mcmeeken, Deputy Director, The Scottish Government