We are making leaps in empowering staff with the first of our events aimed at inspiring and nurturing future leaders in the organisation.
The Trust’s inaugural Women in Leadership conference was held on Friday 29 September at Stockton Town Football Club.
The conference was born out of conversations with staff at the organisation who spoke candidly about their aspirations and also fears surrounding leadership in the NHS.
The first of many events focused on promoting leadership and diversity, the Women in Leadership conference aimed to take a step in the right direction to energise, develop and retain staff – with hopes of also inspiring them to progress as a leader.
The event’s theme, ‘survive, thrive and flourish’ offered an open and honest insight into the journeys (both positive and challenging) of hand-picked guest speakers.
Speakers included:
- Claire-Marie Boggiano, director, coach and lecturer in leadership
- Paula McMahon, civil engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine
- Professor Tim Thompson, Dean of Health and Life Sciences at Teesside University
- Dr Susy Cook, Chief People Officer at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
“Leadership is for all”
Dr Susy Cook said: “We are proud to have hosted our first, and very successful, Women in Leadership conference. It’s the launch of an evolving programme to ensure we are supporting our staff to excel all that we can.
“Each of our speakers has brought something different to our staff – whether that’s making waves in a male-dominated industry or using their position of power to encourage and accelerate women in taking new opportunities.
“Leadership is for all – everybody deserves the opportunity to be a leader and get the most out of work.”
As well as hearing from speakers throughout the day, attendees took part in workshops and had the opportunity to speak sincerely about the changes to development and talent management that they would like to see implemented at the organisation.
Susy continued: “This event was about our staff. We want to understand what they need to thrive in their environment and to get the most of out of work.
“Their commitment and willingness to actively participate in our Women in Leadership conference has really driven not only the event – but real change in our organisation.”
