What would happen if every woman's potential to lead were fully recognised, supported, and celebrated, rather than limited by bias, burnout, or barriers? 

Across the UK, progress on women’s representation at the highest levels of business and decision-making continues, yet key gaps remain. According to the latest government-backed FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now occupy around 43% of board positions in FTSE 350 companies and 35% of senior leadership roles, nearing voluntary targets set for 2025, and positioning the UK as a leader among peer nations on board diversity. Simultaneously, broader labour equality measures like the recent Employment Rights Act and ongoing equality commitments under UK policy aim to reduce pay and opportunity gaps that persist across sectors. However, high-profile reports warn that at the current pace, the gender pay gap may not close for decades, with structural barriers in pay, career mobility and leadership progression still entrenched in both public and private sectors. 

Despite progress in representation, challenges continue. Women remain underrepresented in executive and CEO roles, and inequality in pay and progression persists across sectors and age groups. Barriers such as limited access to senior networks, uneven flexibility support, and systemic biases continue to slow advancement. The leadership pipeline, particularly for women from minority backgrounds, is a key fault line demanding policy focus, organisational commitment and cultural change. 

The Institute of Government & Public Policy is proud to continue building a reputation for delivering inspirational and empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion events. The National Women in Leadership Conference 2026 is an essential event for senior women leaders, women-supporting charities, HR professionals, mentors, coaches, trainers, and all who share a vision of a gender-balanced, diverse leadership landscape. This event is designed to confront these challenges head-on, showcasing evidence-based strategies, amplifying policy dialogue, and equipping leaders with solutions to accelerate progress toward gender-balanced decision-making in public and corporate institutions. 

Join the Institute of Government and Public Policy for the National Women in Leadership conference, which will focus on national trends, employer best practices, and research to show how organisations can evolve to remove friction points in women's trajectories, whether in career return pathways, hybrid/flexible frameworks, evaluation systems, or accountability mechanisms. 

This event is not to be missed. Spaces are limited, so contact us today to avoid disappointment.