13 Oct 2026| Hilton London Canary Wharf, South Quay Square, Marsh Wall, London

Event prices

FDA/Keyskills Members

£419 +VAT

Private Sector

£920 +VAT

Public Sector

£520 +VAT £415* +VAT

*If registering more than 4 places

If you have any queries regarding our upcoming events, please contact:

Henry Bowater
Customer Service Assistant
customer.service@totalevents.uk
020 7593 5739

Overview

 Logo of the event

Tuesday 13 October | in partnership with the FDA

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

In 2026, we’re continuing that legacy – stronger, bolder, and more focused than ever.

This year’s conference will combine fresh insights with tried-and-tested advice, shaped by feedback and ideas from our latest planning meeting. The conferences will offer hands-on advice and coaching on how to further develop your career in times of change.

Women into Leadership London will also hold an awards ceremony to celebrate inspirational leaders who are breaking barriers, challenging the status quo and paving the way for a more inclusive Civil Service.

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 mission-led leadership challenges 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 careers in the Civil Service
Agenda
08:30

Registration  

09:15

Chair’s Welcome and Introduction

Beatriz Brown, Vice-President FDA

09:25

Permanent Secretary Opening address 

Purpose, Pace and Change: Continuity in a Shifting Landscape  

Samantha Jones, Permanent Secretary, Department of Health and Social Care

10:00

Transition to breakout sessions 

10:10

Breakout session A

Finding your Voice

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

10:10

Breakout session B

Preparing for your next role: Are you ready for a Promotion? 

Richard Hillsdon, Civil Service Selection Consultant; Former Senior Civil Servant

10:10

Breakout session C

Practical AI Skills for Everyday Leadership 

Camila Reed, Director, Tavares Media

11:10

Networking and refreshments 

11:40

Morning Plenary Address 

Leading as Yourself: Influencing with Authenticity 

Caroline Cole, Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer Group, Government Legal Department

12:15

Transition to breakout sessions

12:25

Breakout session D

Difficult Conversations Done Well 

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

12:25

Breakout session E

Soft power, sharp impact: Leading with Cultural Intelligence 

Ritika Wadhwa, CEO & Founder, Prabhaav Global

12:25

Breakout session F

Unlocking Your Next Level: The Neural Patterns Behind Senior Women's Breakthroughs 

Saj Zaman-Elahi, CEO & Founder, LeadHERship Academy 

13:15

Lunch  

14:00

Personal Advancement Power Hour 

Make the most of your conference in one focused hour 

  • Get expert feedback: Book a 10-minute 1-1 mentoring session or CV review from experienced professionals 
  • Connect with your community: Discover affinity networks with peer-led support for civil servants with shared backgrounds, through the Civil Service Networks 
  • Reflect and strengthen: Engage with guided reflection activities to distil key insights, identify development priorities, and ground the days learnings in your personal unique context 
15:00

Fireside Discussion 

Rising Together: Building Collective Success 

Winnie Awa, Founder & CEO, Carra, Former Technology Consultant and Programme Leader

Lucie Ridout, Award-Nominated Executive Producer, Factual Television (BBC, CNN, PBS)

Karina Singh, Former Director, National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, HM Treasury

15:55

Chair's Transition Remarks

Beatriz Brown, Vice-President FDA

16:00

Women into Leadership Awards Ceremony

17:00

Networking and drinks reception

 

 

Speakers
Samantha Jones
Permanent Secretary, Department of Health and Social Care
Saj Zaman-Elahi
CEO & Founder, LeadHERship Academy; ex Prison Governor
Ritika Wadhwa
Chief Executive Officer, Prabhaav Global
Cath Baxter
Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Richard Hillsdon
Civil Service Selection Consultant, ex-CS occupational psychologist and Senior Civil Servant
Beatriz Brown
Vice President, FDA
Karina Singh
Director, Infrastructure and Projects Authority, Cabinet Office
Winnie Awa
Founder & CEO at Carra | Speaker and Trend Futurist | InnovateUK Women in Innovation Award Winner
Camila Reed
CEO, Tavares Media
Caroline Cole
Deputy Director, Government Legal Department
Lucie Ridout
Award-Nominated Executive Producer, Factual Television (BBC, CNN, PBS)