The work of women in the NHS is to be promoted later this month when HSJ, in association with NHS Employers, launches the Women Leaders network at the Trades Union Congress. 

Two years ago, HSJ published its first ever list of inspirational women in healthcare, naming those who were driving a transformational change within the NHS.

Since then, HSJ has sought to shine a light on the achievements of women in the sector and highlight the challenges they face. However, there is a need to do more – especially around leadership and culture.

To be launched on 23 September, the Women Leaders network is a new community for leading women and emerging leaders in health and social care.

The aims of the network are:

  • to empower, encourage and celebrate the skills and talents of both existing and emerging women leaders;
  • to identify, encourage and promote good practice in improving opportunities for women to secure board level positions on health and care bodies in public, private, voluntary and third sectors, as well as in nurturing and retaining women of talent those sectors, through means such as mentoring, coaching and shadowing; and
  • to scrutinise and challenge bias against women on health and social care boards.

While the network will be overseen by a small programme board, it will be owned by its members.

If you work in health and social care at a senior level - or aspire to be - and are committed to supporting and developing women leaders, then you can be part of the forum by sending an email to: hsjwomenmembership@emap.com

You can also join the discussion on Twitter here using the hashtag #HSJwomenleaders.

HSJ launches Women Leaders network