Last Thursday saw the return of ‘Women in Leadership,’ a popular event celebrating women in leadership roles throughout Gloucestershire.
Hosted by The Benefact Group, the event aimed to raise funds for local charity, The Nelson Trust. Nearly 90 members of the county’s business community gathered to hear inspiring speakers share their personal experiences and insights about influential women in their industries.
The panel featured prominent figures such as Helen Richards, Church Operations Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance Group; Rachel Howie, CEO of The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust; Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland Family (Gloucester Services); David Owen, Director of Economy and Environment at Gloucestershire County Council; and James Forrester, CEO of Gloucester Hartpury WRFC.
Speakers underscored the importance of gender equality in the workplace, addressing the challenges of overcoming gender bias and the need for more opportunities for women in leadership roles.
Chris Pitt, Group Impact Director at The Benefact Group, expressed his delight at hosting the event, stating:
“We were thrilled to once again be part of such an amazing evening, bringing business leaders together to support The Nelson Trust and celebrate women’s leadership. It was fantastic to hear the insights and experiences of Helen, Rachel, Sarah, David, and James, helping us all enhance the positive impact of women’s leadership on our community and businesses.”
‘Women in Leadership’, which was supported by Azets, Benefact Group, Meta Advisors, and WSP, raised an impressive £3,500 from ticket sales and sponsorships. This figure has been generously matched by Benefact Group.
All proceeds will be going to The Nelson Trust, a Stroud-based charity provides services to those affected by substance use and other multiple disadvantages, bringing belief, hope, and long-term recovery to lives across Gloucestershire, South West and Wales.