The second residential weekend of the UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside Women’s Leadership Programme was recently held in Leeds, and was well attended by course members and special guests.
The course is designed for women members from across the region keen to continue to develop their leadership skills such as mentoring, networking and public speaking with confidence.
It was the second of three planned residential weekends, with the first taking place in April this year. The programme is building towards a conclusion in March 2025.
The weekend included classroom training sessions run by Jan and Marianne from Vividminds, and our own UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside Learning and Development Officer, Rose Bent. We also enjoyed a visit from guest speaker Anna Dixon, the Labour MP for Shipley.
Course participants attended an evening meal together, with a group also visiting the Ribbons Sculpture in Leeds city centre. The sculpture, by Leeds-based artist Pippa Hale, celebrates the many women, both past and present, who’ve made a contribution to the city.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside head of education Leonie Sharp said: “Around 75 percent of UNISON members are women, so it’s really important the union reflects that by giving as many women as possible these vital skills.
“This course was a big commitment for members to take on, running over a 12-month period with three weekend dates with additional on-line sessions in between, so I’m delighted to see it going so well, with so many women benefitting.
“Having some really inspirational teachers and guests is the icing on the cake!”
Classroom sessions delivered by Vividminds
Some of the group visiting the Ribbons Sculpture in Leeds
Labour MP for Shipley, Anna Dixon
