Conference

Watch - Women in Health and Care: Innovating for Impact

The Health and Care Women Leaders Network hosted its eighth annual conference, on 11 December 2024 in Leeds.

General information

Time
11 December 2024 09:30 - 16:00 GMT
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Audience
Open to all
Event location
Kendall Street, Leeds, LS10 1JR External link icon

Speakers

Delegates at the Health and Care Women Leaders Network Annual Conference 2019.

Delivered by the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care Women Leaders Network. 

The Health and Care Women Leaders Network hosted its eighth annual conference on Wednesday 11 December in Leeds. The event was hosted by our network chair, Samantha Allen, chief executive of North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board. 

On the day we were joined by over 150 delegates. The conference focused on supporting their personal and professional development and provided space for learning and networking. The programme looked at work underway within the sector and the network to progress gender equality, with a focus on how women and allies can come together to break barriers and drive innovative solutions.

Over the course of the day, delegates had the opportunity to:

  • experience a combination of keynote, breakout and panel sessions
  • gather tools and advice to guide you on the next step of your leadership journey
  • gain inspiration and motivation from leaders, aspiring leaders and experts
  • connect with other senior and aspiring leaders, both male and female, working in health and care settings.

This event was open to anyone with an interest in creating an inclusive workforce and gender equity. 

Highlights 

 

Programme

  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers, explore a variety of exhibition stands, and enjoy refreshments.

  • Samantha Allen, chair of the Health and Care Women Leaders Network, will kick off the event with an introduction highlighting the day's focus and key themes. There will also be an opportunity to participate in an icebreaker activity and connect with fellow delegates.

  • From healthcare assistant via law and the arts to national health policy adviser, Alexandra Ankrah’s 30-year career has been more diverse than most! She reflects on the challenges she has faced as a disabled woman on her leadership journey and inspires delegates with insights gleaned from her considerable experience. 

    Alexandra Ankrah, Senior Policy Advisor, NHS England

  • Inspirational panellists will share their experiences of breaking various barriers in the pursuit of innovation, offering insights from different perspectives. This session will provide a diverse range of viewpoints on overcoming challenges and driving progress in healthcare.

    Chair
    • Tracie Jolliff, Inclusive, anti-racist leadership and systems development specialist; and Deputy Chair, Health and Care Women Leaders Network
    Panelists 
    • Shera Chok, GP and chair and founder of the Shuri Network
    • Sandra Igwe, The Motherhood Group, Chief Executive
    • Steph Capewell, Chief Executive, Love, Amelia

  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers, explore a variety of exhibition stands and enjoy refreshments.

  • Choose from three breakout sessions designed to enhance your leadership skills and give you the practical tools to make progress in your career.

    Breakout 1 - Sexual safety in the workplace: Policies, culture, and collective action

    This session will address the realities of how policies and processes often fail those they are meant to protect. Through a real-life case study, delegates will explore systemic gaps and cultural attitudes that perpetuate harm and silence victims, and discuss practical ways to eradicate them.

    Key discussion points include:

    • Policies in practice: Why existing frameworks often fall short and how to create more robust systems of accountability.
    • Cultural underpinnings: The societal attitudes and power imbalances that disproportionately affect women and have broad implications across the workforce.
    • The NHS challenge: Reflecting on progress made and the ongoing work needed to create a truly safe and equitable workplace.

    This session encourages open dialogue on how to influence change - whether through shifting societal norms or sharing learning across organisations. By working together, we can create a culture where sexual safety is a given, not a goal.

    Claire Riley, Chief of Corporate Services, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and Women's Health Lead

    Breakout 2 - Level up: Practical strategies for aspiring leaders

    Ready to take your leadership to the next level but unsure where to start? This session is designed for aspiring leaders who want actionable strategies to showcase their potential and unlock opportunities for growth.

    This session will cover:

    • Confidence and competence: How to demonstrate your abilities and earn trust, even in challenging situations.
    • Time management: Tips for protecting your time and focusing on personal and professional development without overwhelming your schedule.
    • Accessing opportunities: Effective tactics to get noticed for mentorship, training, and leadership roles.

    Whether you want to influence peers, impress decision-makers, or define your growth path, this session will equip you with the tools to advance your leadership journey.

    Dr Joan Langley, Associate Lecturer, Global Business School for Health

    Breakout 3 - Navigating the interpersonal challenges of senior leadership

    This interactive and supportive session will help you reflect on your leadership role in creating and maintaining a psychologically safe workplace, offer insight into your communication style, and provide practical suggestions to equip you with the skills to navigate workplace relationship challenges. 

    Sue Holden, Executive Chair, Aqua

  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers, explore a variety of exhibition stands and enjoy lunch.

  • Be inspired by insightful perspectives from women leaders as they share their experiences of navigating the challenges of leadership in the NHS. Gain valuable advice and practical strategies to help overcome obstacles and succeed in your own leadership journey.

    Chair
    • Samantha Allen, Chief Executive of North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board; and Chair, Health and Care Women Leaders Network
    Panelists 
    • Selina Douglas, Chief Executive, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
    • Helen Ray, Chief Executive Officer, North East Ambulance Service

  • Choose from three breakout sessions designed to enhance your leadership skills and give you the practical tools to make progress in your career.

    Breakout 1 - Navigating the interpersonal challenges of senior leadership

    This interactive and supportive session will help you reflect on your leadership role in creating and maintaining a psychologically safe workplace, offer insight into your communication style, and provide practical suggestions to equip you with the skills to navigate workplace relationship challenges. 

    Sue Holden, Executive Chair, Aqua

    Breakout 2 - Level up: Practical strategies for aspiring leaders

    Ready to take your leadership to the next level but unsure where to start? This session is designed for aspiring leaders who want actionable strategies to showcase their potential and unlock opportunities for growth.

    This session will cover:

    • Confidence and competence: How to demonstrate your abilities and earn trust, even in challenging situations.
    • Time management: Tips for protecting your time and focusing on personal and professional development without overwhelming your schedule.
    • Accessing opportunities: Effective tactics to get noticed for mentorship, training, and leadership roles.

    Whether you want to influence peers, impress decision-makers, or define your growth path, this session will equip you with the tools to advance your leadership journey.

    Oksana Gerwe, Director, MBA Health Programme at UCL Global Business School for Health

    Breakout 3 - Leading with vision for impactful innovation

    An engaging fireside chat with Preth Rao and Roxana Percu, where Roxana will share her insights on how to lead with vision and foster impactful innovation, through embracing an entrepreneurial spirit to drive change and create lasting impact. 

    Preth Rao, Head of Strategy, Nursing and Midwifery Council

    Roxana Precu, Head for Dermatology and Respiratory, Sanofi

  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers, explore a variety of exhibition stands and enjoy refreshments.

  • In this interactive session with Dr Sara Felix, hear an update on development of the 10-Year Health Plan and take the opportunity to have your say.

    Dr Sara Felix, Deputy Director, 10-Year Health Plan

  • A conversation between Tracy and Fatima relating to the conference theme of ‘innovating for impact’, touching on the power of networks to influence or shape policy and come up with innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problems. 

    Fatima will then facilitate a brief Q & A with the audience.

    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire

    Fatima Khan-Shah, West Yorkshire Inclusivity Champion

  • Tracie Jolliff, Inclusive, anti-racist leadership and systems development specialist; and Deputy Chair, Health and Care Leadership Network
     

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Speakers and exhibitors for 2025

If you are interested in speaking at our 2025 annual conference or if your organisation would like to secure an exhibition stand, please contact us at women.leaders@nhsconfed.org.

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