The UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside Women’s Leadership Programme concluded with a bang over the weekend of International Women’s Day.
The final weekend of the programme was again hosted at the union’s regional centre in Leeds, and was facilitated by UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside learning and development officer Rose Bent, and UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside area organiser Eleanor Bullen, alongside Jan and Marianne from UNISON learning partner Vivid Minds.
The weekend featured guest speakers, including UNISON’s director of political strategy Maggi Ferncombe on the Saturday, and UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional convenor Wendy Nichols on the Sunday. Members of the union’s regional council officers also attended.
The inaugural course has been designed for women members from across the region keen to develop their leadership skills. Their journey began in April 2024 and culminated this weekend with 20 learners sharing their inspirational visions for what they are aiming to achieve with, through and on behalf of UNISON.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside head of education Leonie Sharp said: “Hearing the powerful presentations delivered by this group of women was emotional, beautiful and so affirming.
“It validates everything we set out to achieve with this programme in the region, and why we did it.
“Everyone involved – the learners, the guests who have joined us throughout the programme, the facilitators, and our regional education team – should be truly proud of this programme, and what we have done to support and advance these magnificent women and the union”.
Whilst this weekend’s celebration was the completion of the programme, the support for all the inspirational leaders continues with further online modules planned to continue their development, as well as to keep in touch and support each other.
A 12 month mentor programme is now set to begin, designed to provide guidance and support to them as they progress towards their individual and collective aspirations.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside learning and development officer Rose Bent said: “As leaders, it is so important that we make sure that there is a pathway that enables others to join us, but that we also provide support and guidance to those beginning their journey.
“That’s exactly what the programme set out to achieve, and we are so proud of the impact it has already had.
“We are very confident that the impact of this course will be felt long into the future, not just by the women leaders who took part, but also by the people they help and support in the future.”
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional convenor Wendy Nichols addresses course participants.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional learning & development organiser Rose Bent delivers part of the session, along with external partner Vivid Minds.
Course participants are presented with their certificates for completing the course by UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside head of education Leonie Sharp.
Course participants are presented with their certificates for completing the course by UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside head of education Leonie Sharp.
