Women's Leadership
A transformative experience to elevate your leadership style
Our Women’s Leadership Programme is a six-month, hands-on, transformative experience designed to help women leaders step out of their comfort zones, master their collaborative leadership capabilities and solve real-world leadership challenges alongside a dynamic group of talented, inspiring women leaders from diverse sectors.
Enabling authentic, bold and forward-thinking leaders to drive real impact
Women leaders today navigate a fast-paced world of constant change, interconnected policy challenges, and shifting power dynamics. Staying ahead and making a lasting impact in this complex landscape can often feel overwhelming. This takes more than just expertise—it demands authentic, bold, forward-thinking leadership and the confidence to collaborate across sectors.
That’s where we step in. Our Women’s Leadership Programme is designed to enable women leaders to look up, out, and ahead, gaining clarity and confidence about who they are and what kind of leader they aspire to be. Through exposure to diverse perspectives, strategic thinking tools and powerful cross-sector networks, participants learn to sharpen their leadership edge, navigate complexity with confidence, and drive lasting impact—within their organisations and beyond.
How it works
Our programme blends hands-on learning with real-world application to ensure you leave with tangible skills and insights. You'll engage with accomplished women leaders from diverse sectors, gain fresh outside perspectives, and refine your leadership style to navigate today’s complex business landscape.
- Charity visit: Gain firsthand experience by spending a day with a not-for-profit, tackling real challenges and applying your expertise to make a measurable difference.
- Action learning sets: Participate in personalised action learning sets with peers from diverse sectors to exchange ideas, co-develop solutions, and drive personal and professional growth.
- Speaker Sessions: Hear from high-profile senior leaders who challenge perspectives, inspire new ways of thinking, and bring leadership insights to life.
- Executive Coaching: Receive one-to-one coaching sessions, providing tailored guidance to accelerate your leadership development and maximise your impact.
Our unique approach to leadership development
What makes us different? A unique focus on cross-sector peer learning in a safe, trusted and inclusive space where openness and curiosity thrive. Our programmes bring together diverse perspectives, inspire new ways of thinking, and expand high-value networks—enabling leaders and organisations to navigate complexity with confidence.
For over 40 years, we’ve empowered leaders across public, private, not-for-profit and higher education sectors with the collaborative skills, mindset and cross-sector insights to lead with authenticity and collaborate with confidence.
Who is it for?
Our Women Leadership Programme is designed for mid to senior-level women leaders looking to refine their leadership approach, navigate the challenges of senior roles with confidence, and build a powerful cross-sector network.
It's ideal for:
Mid-career professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and strategic influence.
Women transitioning into senior leadership who want the tools and insights to lead authentically and effectively.
Leaders who value cross-sector collaboration and want to engage with inspiring peers from diverse sectors, hone their collaborative skills, and build lasting professional networks.
Typical participants include:
Public sector: Senior Civil Servants (SCS), Deputy Directors, Directors, and experienced Grade 6 professionals.
Private, higher education & not-for-profit sectors: Senior Managers, Heads of Department, and those stepping into or preparing for senior leadership roles.
Key benefits:
- Lead with authenticity and purpose: Build resilience by aligning your personal values with your leadership approach, understanding your purpose and strengths, and developing a style that is true to you and inspires those around you.
- Collaborate with confidence: Enhance your collaborative leadership skills, gaining cross-sector insights and learning from inspirational women leaders to navigate shared challenges and drive collective success.
- Enhance decision-making and influence: Improve your ability to make impactful decisions, expand your strategic influence, and engage others with confidence and clarity.
- Accelerate your personal growth: Receive one-to-one coaching and hands-on learning through charity consultancy visits, speaker sessions, and action learning sets.
- Break barriers and seize opportunities: Tackle challenges unique to women in leadership and strategically engage stakeholders to unlock new opportunities.
- Build a powerful cross-sector network: Connect with senior women leaders across diverse sectors, expanding your influence and leadership presence.
- Inspire the next generation: Become a role model, empowering future leaders and fostering a culture of support and growth.
"The programme introduced me to a cohort of inspiring female leaders. Learning from their experiences, combined with mentoring and coaching sessions, has been particularly valuable. I’ve developed my confidence and self-belief. I feel ready to take on new and different challenges. "
Cathy Davis
BAE Systems plc
Programme Information
Structure
The next Women’s Leadership programme runs between October 2025 and March 2026. It begins with a 2-day module, followed by a series of action learning sets and a charity day visit. Each module builds on the previous one, ensuring continuous growth, peer support, and the practical application of key leadership principles. The programme is designed around key themes particularly relevant to women leaders, providing participants with strategic insights they can implement within their organisations and beyond to drive real impact.
Programme team
How to apply
Applications for the next cohort are currently being received on a rolling basis. To apply, please download and complete the application form, which asks for details about your leadership experience, objectives, and reasons for wanting to join the programme. Once completed, send the form to leadership@wig.co.uk
After submitting your application, we will schedule a brief virtual conversation to discuss your application further. You will receive confirmation of your place based on sector dynamics—early confirmations will be sent by 14 July 2025, and final confirmations by 15 September 2025. Pre-programme work and onboarding will be expected two weeks before the programme start date.
Fees
- WIG member fee: £6,699 +VAT
- Non-member fee: £8,699 +VAT
If you are from a small not-for-profit organisation and would like to discuss fees and bursaries, please reach out to leadership@wig.co.uk.
To learn more about WIG membership, click here.
How to pay
Accepted applicants from Universities, Charities, and Private Sector companies will receive an invoice for the programme upon confirmation of their successful application.
If you are a public sector delegate, please check the fees on the Government Campus portal. For more information, use our Civil Service Learning link or contact the Government Campus team at bookings@governmentcampus.co.uk.
Good luck with your application, we look forward to hearing from you!
Speak to the team about this programme