Women Networks Forum

Events

We host virtual knowledge‑share sessions and in‑person General Assemblies throughout the year. Join us and participate in cross‑industry learning.

Upcoming 2026 outlook

  • 23rd June 2026 – Hybrid General Assembly (hosted by Arup in London/online)
    • Theme: “Coaching, Mentoring & Sponsorship” followed by a “Build Your Personal Boardroom” activity
  • September 2026 – Virtual session (theme TBC)
  • November 2026 – In‑person General Assembly (host TBC)

Our past events:

  • March 2026: WNF hosted a panel discussion on “Navigating the Evolving DEI Landscape”, bringing together representatives from 14 organisations for an open conversation on how we sustain progress when priorities shift and momentum is tested.

    Key reflections from the discussion:
    💡 DEI isn’t going backwards, but it does require renewed focus, clarity and courage.
    💡Keeping the conversation going matters, even when it’s uncomfortable or exhausting.
    💡Impact comes from being strategic, data‑led and intentional, especially when time and resources are stretched.
    💡Equity and inclusion must work together: strong systems and inclusive cultures.
    💡Allyship works best when treated as a skill set, built through everyday actions (not grand gestures).

    🤝 A recurring message was collaboration: networks are stronger together, and shared learning across organisations helps us stay credible, relevant and sustainable. Which perfectly supports the aim of WNF brining our members together to share knowledge and best practices across organisations.

    👏 A huge thank you to our panel host, Katy Campbell, and to our panellists for their honesty, insight and practical challenge: Dr Caitlin A McCall CEng MIMechE (Women’s Engineering Society), Joanna Hitchen (Costain), Lee Chambers (Male Allies UK) and Helen Gaier-Laidlaw (Scottish Power).
  • Nov 2025: Accenture hosted the in-person WNF General Assembly in London, where we reflected on WNF’s journey so far and outlined our plans for 2026. The event featured knowledge-sharing presentations from Women in Public Affairs, Women at Mace, Connect Women+ at Arup, and Women in National Grid. Our guest speaker, Felicity Ashley, an award-winning motivational speaker and #1 best-selling author of ‘Stronger than the Storm’, inspired us to dream big, overcome challenges, and thrive through change. The panel discussion, with leaders from Accenture and Mace, explored impactful allyship initiatives and strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace. The day concluded with networking, which helped to build new connections and generated ideas for new cross-organisational initiatives.
  • May 2025: Our second in-person WNF General Assembly was hosted by Centrica in Windsor. The event featured a keynote address from Kat Parsons, Centrica’s Group Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The panel discussion, themed “Every Voice Matters”, brought insights from leaders at Centrica and National Grid. Attendees also heard a presentation on WNF’s strategic topics and enjoyed networking over lunch.
  • Nov 2024: Our first in-person WNF General Assembly took place in London, hosted by National Grid. The event featured an inspiring keynote from Eleanor Mills, who introduced the concept of “Queenagers” and highlighted the support offered by the Noon community, which champions midlife as a time of opportunity. Attendees enjoyed a panel discussion with outstanding leaders from National Grid, Accenture, and Centrica, as well as presentations from our working groups. The day also included a collaborative brainstorming session to shape our priorities for the coming year, followed by valuable networking opportunities.