Outwood continues to empower the next generation of female leaders
The Outwood Institute of Education’s (OIE) annual Women into Leadership programme, first launched in 2018, has commenced with its newest cohort, offering a unique opportunity for female teaching and support staff to develop their leadership potential.
This programme, designed and delivered by Julie Slater, chief executive principal, is specifically aimed at current and aspiring female leaders. It provides a candid exploration of what truly makes a successful leader and, critically, how to overcome the common barriers women may encounter on their leadership journey.
This year, almost 50 women will participate in the programme across the OIE’s two venues in Doncaster and Redcar.
Julie Slater, a seasoned leader, is known for her openness and shares her own inspiring journey into senior and executive leadership, offering participants real-world insights and invaluable perspectives.
Julie said:
“Unlocking Potential: Women into Leadership is one of our flagship programmes that I have had the great privilege of delivering since 2018.
“The programme was born out of my own learning when I attended ‘Women Inspiring Leadership’ at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School in 2013, as part of the DfE’s Fellowship programme. This experience, together with my own personal leadership journey, inspired me to design a programme that remains as relevant today as it did seven years ago.
“The structure of the programme takes participants on their own journey, from identifying barriers to culminating in them attaining a newfound confidence in their leadership abilities. The impact is staggering, with the majority of our alumni securing promotions within 12 to 18 months of programme completion.”
The programme is open to all female teaching and support staff colleagues who are actively considering their next step into leadership or headship, with some spaces available for delegates external to the Outwood Family of Schools.
It is strategically designed to complement existing leadership qualifications, such as the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) and the OIE’s newly launched High Potential Leadership programme, ensuring participants receive well-rounded and reinforced development.
The Women into Leadership programme continues its commitment to fostering a strong pipeline of confident and capable female leaders within the education sector.
