Cheshire College host International Women’s Day roundtable series with leaders across the Cheshire

Cheshire College – South & West are celebrating International Women’s Day throughout the month of March with a series of roundtables led by influential female leaders across  Cheshire.

Focused on this year’s theme ‘Break the Bias’, each roundtable will provide a safe and thought-provoking environment for staff, learners and inspirational speakers to share their experiences and advice on how to challenge themselves and those around them within their personal and professional lives.

With close links across the community in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, and partnerships with over 1,400 employers, the College have partnered with a number of female leaders to make the celebration as impactful as possible.

On the 8^th March 2022, Lady Alexis Redmond MBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, and Dame Pat Bacon, Chair of the Corporation at Cheshire College, kicked off the first two sets of roundtables at the College’s Crewe campus. Joined by current staff and learners, the discussions provided an opportunity to learn more about each guest’s journey, challenges they’ve faced and their advice for the future.

Lady Redmond said: “Living in Cheshire for over 30 years and working in many different roles has meant that I've developed many close ties with local charities, businesses and education providers in the community. It’s great to see Cheshire College embracing their similar ties with the community to provide impactful examples of how recognising International Women’s Day can make a true difference across sectors and age groups.”

Dame Pat Bacon said: “Throughout my career, I’ve been hugely committed to ensuring that opportunities are available for all, and Cheshire College does this so well; the latest IWD activities being just one example. This series of roundtables provides our learners with opportunities to speak with inspirational leaders from across the region, learning about their experiences, and engaging in such an important conversation.  Celebrating women today, and every day is something that we are committed to at the College, and I know this is only the start of exciting activities planned this month”.

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal at Cheshire College, said: “With 56% of the leadership team at Cheshire College being female, we have a variety of different leadership styles and career journeys that inspire our staff and learners every day. The roundtable series is a great way of recognising this and bringing together different generations of females with an array of teachable experiences so that we can work together.”

Upcoming roundtables for the remainder of the month will feature leaders such as Diane Wright, Chair of the Board of Directors at South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, Sally Hepton, Director of Government Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility and Clare Haywood MBE, Chair, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.