Women into Leadership Manchester

Thursday 3rd December

Now in its sixteenth year, Women into Leadership has become the key event for anyone committed to expanding leadership opportunities for women. The conference explores how female leaders at every grade can build the skills to become the leader they aspire to be.

In 2026, we’re continuing that legacy: bolder and more focused than ever. This year’s programme blends fresh insight with tried-and-tested advice, offering hands-on guidance and coaching on how to keep your career moving in times of change.

New for 2026: the Personal Advancement Power Hour

This year we’re introducing the Personal Advancement Power Hour, a dedicated slot in the programme built around you and your next step. During the Power Hour you can:

Book a one-to-one mentoring or CV review session with an experienced professional (places are limited)

Connect with Civil Service staff networks and find the communities that can support your progression

Take part in Active Reflection, turning the day’s learning into practical actions you can take back to your role

You’ll hear from inspirational women of all grades and levels, from within and outside the Civil Service, and explore together how to handle mission-led leadership challenges and keep the Civil Service from losing momentum in recognising and rewarding female leaders.

Why attend?

• Examine the barriers facing female leaders in the Civil Service, and learn how to overcome them
• Hear from a diverse range of Senior Civil Servants and inspirational leaders from outside the Civil Service
• Gain a deeper understanding of the skills and attributes of successful leaders
• Make the Power Hour count with one-to-one support, network connections and guided reflection
• Design your own breakout schedule around your needs and aspirations
• Network with peers and counterparts from across Government who are also contemplating furthering their careers in the Civil Service

08:30

Registration  

09:15

Chair’s Welcome and Introduction

Beatriz Brown, Vice-President FDA

09:25

Opening address 

Purpose, Pace and Change: Continuity in a Shifting Landscape  

 

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 

 

11:10

Networking and refreshments 

11:40

Morning Plenary Address 

Leading as Yourself: Influencing with Authenticity 

 

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 

 

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 

 

15:55

Chair's Cloding Remarks

Beatriz Brown, Vice-President FDA