Women in Local Government

Thursday 3rd December 2020 | Central London

Despite making up 78% of the local government workforce, women account for only 17% of local authority leaders and 33% of council chief executives – statistics which have hardly changed for a decade. Meanwhile, following the 2019 council elections, just 35% of councillors are female, further representing lack of meaningful progress for women in Local Government. In the context of constitutional change and devolution, it is more important than ever that leadership teams in local government are fully representative of the populations they serve.

Following hugely successful events in London and Manchester over the past two years, Women in Local Government returns to London in 2020 to offer practical advice and coaching on how to address the barriers affecting your progression and further develop your career in times of change.

This event is CPD-Certified and will contribute to your professional development.

Register your place today.

Why attend?

Identify the unique leadership challenges and opportunities facing women in local government today
Learn how successful women negotiate for 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 local government
Create a lasting network of women leaders who are effecting change across local government

Speakers include

Councillor Rachael Robathan, Leader, Westminster City Council
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, Birmingham City Council
Dame Margaret Hodge, MP for Barking
Councillor Marianne Overton MBE, Vice Chair, Local Government Association, Leader, LGA Independent Group & Vice-Chair, Women’s Local Government Society
Councillor Mrs. Lesley Clarke OBE, Chairman, Women’s Local Government Society, Chairman, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority
Cath Baxter, Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Agenda

09.40	Welcome from Dods D&I
09.45	Chair's opening address
10.00	Examining the role of women across local government Understanding why women are underrepresented in senior positions Tackling the cultural and practical obstacles to leadership SPEAKER: Dame Margaret Hodge, MP for Barking SPEAKER: Councillor Marianne Overton MBE, Vice Chair, Local Government Association, Leader, LGA Independent Group & Vice-Chair, Women’s Local Government Society
10.40	Leadership material: a toolkit for positioning yourself as leader Developing and retaining a growth mindset in the face of challenge or adversity Honing networking skills to identify potential mentors, allies and support Dispelling impostor syndrome to fulfil your full potential SPEAKER: Councillor Mrs. Lesley Clarke OBE, Chairman, Women’s Local Government Society, Chairman, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority
11.15	Comfort Break
11.45	In the line of sight: increasing your visibility and rising to challenges Pitching your skills and putting yourself forward Identifying your unique skills and priorities to build a personal brand Leading from the middle: a discussion on having impact at any level
12.30	Holding space: developing an executive presence Listen up: speaking so that others pay attention Presenting with gravitas and confidence Interjecting and responding to interruption with authority and composure SPEAKER: Cath Baxter,* Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts*
13.30	Break for Lunch
14.30	Maintaining balance: protecting your wellbeing to contribute your best work Flexible working as an enabler for women in leadership Prioritising your wellbeing and seeking support where needed Pushing back against perfectionism SPEAKER: Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, Birmingham City Council
15.30	Leading a change in culture: where do we go from here? Raising the visibility of women as senior leaders in local government Placing honesty, respect and mutual support at the forefront in relationships with staff and colleagues Authentic leadership: finding the courage to lead authentically SPEAKER: Councillor Rachael Robathan, Leader, Westminster City Council
16.15	Chair's closing remarks
16.30	Event Close