09:25

Welcome from Dods D&I

Kiren Kaur, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Dods D&I

09:45

Examining the current landscape for women in local government

• Understanding why women are underrepresented in senior positions
• Addressing the cultural and practical obstacles to leadership

SPEAKER: Dame Margaret Hodge, MP for Barking

10:25

The Power of Storytelling: using storytelling to overcome self-imposed barriers 

• How stories shape our identities as leaders and as individuals 
• Interrogating the stories you tell about yourself 
• Re-shaping your narratives to empower yourself to grow, achieve and inspire

SPEAKER: Susie Ramroop, Managing Director, Make Life Simple and Mindset Coach

11:30

Preparing for success: laying the groundwork to communicate with impact 

• Structuring your meetings and preparatory work for maximum effect 
• Managing adrenaline to think clearly under pressure 
• Holding attention in a virtual environment 

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

12:40

Thinking strategically: using self-awareness to drive better decision-making 

• Knowing your purpose and understanding your strengths 
• Working parents: identifying strategies to create the balance you need 
• Dreaming big: having the confidence to aim high and get up when you fall

SPEAKER: Councillor Marianne Overton MBE, Vice Chair, Local Government Association, Leader, LGA Independent Group & Vice-Chair, Women’s Local Government Society

SPEAKER: Jenifer Jackson, Assistant Director - Planning and Transport, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

SPEAKER: Fiona Ledden, City Solicitor, Manchester City Council

14:15

Panel Discussion:

Resilience in uncertainty: key lessons to take forward from COVID-19 

• Protecting your mental health and wellbeing in the face of adversity 
• Asking for what you need, at home and at work 
• Maintaining confidence in your abilities and worth during difficult times

SPEAKER: Councillor Paulette Hamilton, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, Birmingham City Council

SPEAKER: Helen Jenkins, Head of Leadership, Local Government Association

SPEAKER: Sarah Richardson, Head of Strategy - Corporate Strategy and Policy, Surrey County Council

15:40

Leading a change in culture: where do we go from here? 

• Raising the visibility of women as senior leaders in local government
• Intersectionality at work: appreciating the impact of different characteristics in shaping one’s experience 
• You’ve got a friend in me: being an ally to others and lifting others as you climb 
• Authentic leadership: finding the courage to lead authentically

SPEAKER: Shazia Hussain, Assistant Chief Executive, Brent Council

16:30

Event Close