Women into Leadership Edinburgh

Tuesday 13th May 2025 | In partnership with the FDA

Now in its 14th year, the annual Women into Leadership conferences have established themselves as the key events for all those interested in enhancing leadership opportunities for women. Taking place in Edinburgh, the Women into Leadership conference will examine how female leaders, at any grade, can enhance their skills to become the leader they aspire to be.

The conference will offer hands-on advice and coaching on how to further develop your career in times of change. You will hear from inspirational women of all grades and levels, within and outside the Civil Service, discuss together how you can manage the challenges of modern leadership and help ensure the Civil Service doesn’t lose momentum in recognising and rewarding female leaders.

The benefits of attending Women into Leadership include the opportunity to:

• Examine the barriers currently facing female leaders as well as the challenges to future leaders in the Civil Service, and learn how to overcome them
• Hear from a diverse range of Senior Civil Servants, as well as inspirational leaders from outside of the Civil Service
• Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and attributes needed to be a successful leader
• Design your own breakout session schedule based on your own needs and aspirations
• Learn how to be an effective leader
• Network with peers and counterparts from across government who are also contemplating furthering their careers in the Civil Service

Register your place today.

08:30

Registration 

09:20

Chair's Welcome & Introduction

CHAIR: Fiona Eadie, Executive Committee Member and Former President of the FDA

09:30

Opening address

Leading with courage: fostering inclusivity & inspiring positive change 

10:05

Transition to breakout sessions 

10:15

Breakout A:

Introversion in Leadership: unleashing your quiet power

10:15

Breakout B:

Calm and Confident: overcoming performance anxiety for Effective Public Speaking

Cath Baxter, Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

10:15

Breakout C:

Prepare for your next role: are you ready for a promotion?

Richard Hillsdon, Civil Service Selection Consultant, ex- Senior Civil Servant

11:15

Networking & Refreshments 

11:45

Morning Plenary Address 

Finding your authentic self: purpose, passion and value-led leadership 

Amanda Hatton, Executive Director of Education and Children’s services, City of Edinburgh Council

12:20

Transition to breakout sessions

12:30

Breakout D:

Managing Employee Wellbeing for Managers

12:30

Breakout E:

Communicating for results: how to negotiate with confidence

Cath Baxter, Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

12:30

Breakout F

Writing to impress: an interactive masterclass on selection and promotion

Richard Hillsdon, Civil Service Selection Consultant, ex- Senior Civil Servant

13:30

Lunch

14:30

Afternoon Plenary

From uncertainty to certainty: Knowing your worth and asserting your presence

15:10

Closing Address 

Pushing forward: embracing change and confronting failure

15:50

Chair’s Closing Remarks