Empowering Women
Our Women’s Leadership Programme empowers women develop their leadership skills, take control of their careers and expand their networks. So far we’ve inspired over 120 ambitious female leaders – could you be next?
Who’s the programme for?
If you’re an aspiring female leader who’s keen to develop, or an organisation looking to invest in and empower your female talent, our Women’s Leadership Programme is the answer.
How does it work?
Our programme will help you build confidence, develop leadership skills and expand your network, all while meeting other high-profile successful women. It’ll also give you new tools to influence and drive business performance.
Why are women-only programmes important?
Women now make up over 40% of board roles in Britain’s biggest listed companies. That’s great news. But there’s still lots of work to be done when it comes to women securing senior leadership positions, particularly in the East of England.
That’s why we created this programme – to acknowledge that female leaders often have a very different experience to their male colleagues. And to bring together like-minded professionals in a safe environment, help them better understand themselves and take the next step in their careers.
Our programme is also important because it helps the women who attend create their own close-knit network. Studies show that women who support women in these types of groups have better success in business – in fact, they’re more likely to get executive positions with more responsibility and higher salaries. That’s because women seeking to progress into leadership positions face more cultural and systemic hurdles (like unconscious bias) than their male counterparts. But close connections with other professional women – like those created by our programme – allow them to share experiences and act as mentors to each other.
How will it help your business?
The Women’s Leadership Programme isn’t just about empowering individuals. It also benefits organisations. Studies show that companies with a higher percentage of women on their boards outperform those that don’t by quite some margin, and are significantly more profitable.
Our programme will make sure you stay ahead of the game in developing and securing your talented women – and create a more inclusive culture.
Want to find out more?
Have a look at our success stories to hear from women who’ve already taken part in the programme.
Ready to sign up?
To find out more and get started, complete this form.
The programme
In 2014, we created the Women’s Leadership Programme with people development and consultancy firm People & Performance Ltd. Of the more than 120 women who’ve been through it, well over half of those have moved into bigger roles within their organisations.
How it works
- Define your ambitions and develop a plan – and the confidence – to achieve them.
- Explore your leadership style and how you might be holding yourself back.
- Identify the barriers in organisations and in ourselves, and overcome them.
- Build a professional support network of businesswomen in the region, and promote access to experienced leaders through our guest speakers.
What you can expect
- 4 full days of delivery including 2 personal wellbeing sessions lead by Gillvray Health
- 2 individual coaching sessions per delegate
- Dinner on the 1st and 3rd night (with your sponsor invited on the 3rd night)
- Access to guest speakers
- A pdf of all the course material
- A personal reflections journal
- Access to the alumni network and on-going support.
One of the things that makes our programme different is that we encourage everyone to have a sponsor for the duration of the course – usually someone senior from your organisation – to support you and act as a mentor.
We also carefully tailor the programme to the experience level of the group. So you’ll always be able to relate to the other people you meet while you’re taking part.
When and where
The programme is split into two sessions which take place at the Møller Institute in Cambridge. For 2025/2026, those will be:
- 24 to 25 February 2026
- 19 to 20 May 2026
The programme is open to both new and aspiring managers wanting to learn, and experienced managers looking to develop and hone their leadership skills.
You might also be a new director, an existing director who wants to have more impact, or a senior manager who’s ready to take on a board or senior leadership role.
Getting you ready to get ahead
Whatever level you are, you’ll need to be ready to learn, challenge and develop yourself. That’s because over half of previous attendees are now operating in bigger roles or have been promoted within their organisations. They’re also part of a strong alumni network that stretches across the whole of the east of England.
Not sure if the programme’s for you?
Take a look at our success stories for an insiders’ view of the programme from people who’ve already taken part.
Ready to sign up?
To find out more and get started, fill in this form.
For organisations
Having more women in leadership roles isn’t just about ticking boxes. In fact, according to Baroness Berridge, the UK Minister for Women, companies in the top 25% for gender diversity on their executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profits.
Gender diversity is also linked to increased innovation, and can even help companies build better relationships with customers. Most importantly, it can inspire other women employees to aim higher, and boost engagement in the whole workforce.
Why choose our Women’s Leadership Programme?
We’ve designed our programme to help your succession planning by developing talented women as leaders of the future. It’ll also help you:
- keep senior female staff for longer, and build a more diverse team for the future
- explore ways to develop a more inclusive culture and values
- boost organisational performance over the long term.
A unique sponsorship opportunity
When you decide to send someone from your business on the programme, we’ll ask you to nominate a sponsor – someone who can mentor and support your team member throughout their time with us. So your organisation will really be involved at every step of the way. That’s another thing that makes our programme so special.
Ready to sign up?
To find out more and get started, fill in this form.
Meet the facilitators
Our programme is run by three experienced and successful women, keen to share their thoughts and insights with others. They are:
Christina Youell, Director at People & Performance
Christina’s been a board member for several large public sector organisations and has worked with boards in the private sector too. She’s also an executive coach, a highly effective facilitator, and an expert at creating a safe and supportive learning space. Christina designed the Women’s Leadership Programme to advance gender equality in the eastern region.
In her own words
‘I understand what it takes for women to be successful in the boardroom. And I’m passionate about helping women in business progress and achieve their potential.’
Caroline Batchelor, Director at Pure
Caroline has been with Pure since we began in September 2002, and has over 17 years’ recruitment experience. She currently recruits HR professionals across Cambridgeshire, covering all levels and sectors. She also regularly attends CIPD evenings and organises HR events to help jobseekers and clients share knowledge. With a qualification in coaching, Caroline’s passionate about helping people reach their full potential at work.
In her own words
'I’ve completed the programme as an attendee and know how important it has been to me in my career. I’m keen to share my experience and make sure every person who participates get everything they need from the programme.'
Lynn Walters, Executive Director at Pure
Lynn is a co-founder and Director of Pure, and leads Pure Executive. She recruits for both executive and non-executive board roles, and advises and builds senior management teams. As well as contributing to this programme, Lynn also founded Best Employers Eastern Region, an employee engagement initiative, and the Board Ready Talent Scheme.
In her own words
‘I’m passionate about helping women across the East of England develop their confidence and careers, and help organisations with succession to build a better, fairer future for all.’
Dr Claire Gillvray, Founder of Gillvray Health
Claire is a GP, psychiatrist, personal trainer and nutritionist. As well as being CMO of EKHO Wellbeing (a start-up helping women with reproductive and hormonal issues stay in work), running CST Corporate (a company that helps people be physically and mentally strong in the workplace), she’s also the current Cambridge University Boat Club doctor. On top of all that she’s a former triathlete, including taking part in the famously gruelling Ironman competition. All this has given her a real passion for exploring the links between mental and physical health.
In her own words
‘I’m delighted to be part of the Women in Leadership Programme. I’m particularly excited about empowering attendees to use physical activity to improve their mental health.’
Lucy Hibben, Co-Founder of Gillvray Health
Lucy is a senior Yoga Alliance-registered yoga teacher and Founder of YOGASTRONG, a wellness business in Cambridge. She also runs CST Corporate, a company helping people be physically and mentally strong in the workplace. Lucy helps companies with their wellbeing programmes to manage stress, stop burnout and improve mental health, and ultimately increase happiness and productivity. Lucy has over 500 hours of yoga-teacher training under her belt, and she’s also a certified breath coach and mobility specialist.
In her own words
‘I’m looking forward to helping attendees gain the strength and resilience they need to feel well and at home in their own bodies.’
Success stories
‘It’s been wonderful to meet a group of like-minded people. The sessions are a great mix of learning new tools, reflecting on experiences and thinking about how we can get the best from ourselves, our teams and our organisation. I’ve learnt so much about various leadership styles and how to adapt to the needs of others, which has been a real benefit to our company. I highly recommend the programme.’
Dr Karen Howarth, Senior Director of Clinical Genomics, Inivata
‘I’m really glad I signed up. It’s great to network with like-minded women who share similar roadblocks yet all have very different perspectives and experiences. It led to lots of really interesting conversations and a lot of fun! The course has also helped me start asserting myself in a positive way as a leader, while also not being afraid to delegate.’
Annabelle Roberts, Senior Product Manager - Quality, Abcam
‘I don’t believe I’ve ever carried out so much self-reflection – but I feel it’s completely changed the way I present myself and interact with others. I definitely recommend this programme to anyone who feels they’re at a crossroads in their career and needs that little nudge to take them to the next level.’
Teresa Gorham, QuESH Manager, TMJ Interiors
‘I’ve really benefitted from learning from a diverse group of business women and building my professional network. I recommend the course to both those entering leadership roles as well as established leaders. The programme has armed me with new tools I can use in my everyday leadership going forward. Thank you.’
Anonymous
Ready to sign up?
To find out more and get started, complete this form.
Want to find out more?
Have a look at our success stories to hear from women who’ve already taken part in the programme or contact our team today.
