Conference

Women in Health and Care: Thriving not Surviving

Register for the Health and Care Women Leaders Network's ninth annual conference on Wednesday 3 December, in Leeds.
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General information

Time
3 December 2025 09:30 GMT
Audience
Open to all

Delivered by the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care Women Leaders Network. 

Join us on Wednesday 3 December in Leeds for the network's ninth annual conference.

This conference will support your personal and professional development, providing opportunities for learning and networking.

You will hear from inspirational speakers sharing their stories and engage in lively debates on pressing issues in the health and care sector, empowering you to flourish in your career and life.

This year's theme, thriving not surviving, promotes a culture of hope and optimism, focusing on work-life balance, effective coping strategies, envisioning life beyond work and fostering ownership and responsibility among younger women in leadership roles.

Together, we will explore how you can thrive in your career and beyond.

If you missed it, watch highlights from last year.

Programme 
  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers.

  • The event will begin highlighting the day's focus and key themes. There will also be an opportunity to participate in an icebreaker activity and connect with fellow delegates.

  • An insightful session focused on redefining what it means for leaders to thrive in today’s complex environments. Drawing on expertise in inclusion and diversity, this presentation will cover practical strategies and inspiring insights to help you navigate the unique challenges of leadership. The session aims to empower you to cultivate your potential and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

  • Leaders from the health and social care sector will discuss the future of health and social care and its implications for women in the field. They will share personal stories and leadership journeys, highlighting the challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation.

  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers.

  • Choose one of the three breakout sessions to attend, focusing on your personal and professional development. If you're interested in more than one, the sessions will be repeated later in the day.

    Breakout session 1 - Embedding compassionate cultures in health and care 

    This interactive session will explore how leaders can cultivate environments that support wellbeing, resilience and growth for themselves and their teams. Participants will be guided through practical frameworks and real-world examples demonstrating how compassionate leadership and psychologically safe cultures can transform workplaces from survival mode into spaces where individuals truly thrive.

    Breakout session 2 - William Bridges Transition Model: Coping with change and transition

    Change is inevitable, but how we navigate transitions defines our ability to thrive. In this interactive breakout session, participants will explore William Bridges’ Transition Model, which focuses not just on external change but on the internal psychological journey that accompanies it. You will gain valuable insights into navigating change, learn practical strategies for managing transitions, and understand the psychological processes involved, empowering you to thrive in times of uncertainty.

    Breakout session 3 - TBC

    More information coming soon.

  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers.

  • Access insights from health and wellbeing experts who will share practical strategies for taking care of yourself and supporting those around you. Discover how to build and sustain a healthy work-life balance, navigate the demands of both home and professional life and manage the pressures that come with high-intensity roles. 

    You'll also learn how to foster a culture where people thrive and not just survive by supporting others in meaningful and impactful ways.

  • Choose one of the three breakout sessions to attend, focusing on your personal and professional development.

    Breakout session 1 - Embedding compassionate cultures in health and care 

    This interactive session will explore how leaders can cultivate environments that support wellbeing, resilience and growth for themselves and their teams. Participants will be guided through practical frameworks and real-world examples demonstrating how compassionate leadership and psychologically safe cultures can transform workplaces from survival mode into spaces where individuals truly thrive.

    Breakout session 2 - William Bridges Transition Model: Coping with change and transition

    Change is inevitable, but how we navigate transitions defines our ability to thrive. In this interactive breakout session, participants will explore William Bridges’ Transition Model, which focuses not just on external change but on the internal psychological journey that accompanies it. You will gain valuable insights into navigating change, learn practical strategies for managing transitions, and understand the psychological processes involved, empowering you to thrive in times of uncertainty.

    Breakout session 3 - TBC

    More information coming soon.

  • An opportunity to network with delegates and speakers.

  • Future leaders will share valuable insights on the challenges they have faced and the strategies they used to overcome them. They will provide their perspectives on effective talent management in the NHS, discussing what a strong and sustainable talent pipeline for the next generation could look like. Together, we will explore innovative ideas to enhance support systems that foster the development and progression of new medical professionals, ensuring a robust future for healthcare.

  • Learn about key reflections from the day's theme and insights shared, including the vital role of compassionate leadership in high-pressure environments. This session will provide actionable strategies for leading with empathy and aims to inspire you to incorporate compassionate practices into your everyday roles, fostering a positive impact on workplace culture and team dynamics.

  • To close the day, we will share key takeaways, providing a powerful call to action for you to bring back to your organisation.

Speaker details will be available soon. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates. 

Who should attend?  

This conference is for anyone working in healthcare with an interest in creating an inclusive workforce and gender equity. Everyone is welcome.  

Why attend? 

Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to:

  • experience a mix of keynote, breakout and panel sessions
  • gain inspiration and motivation from leaders, aspiring leaders and experts
  • gather tools and advice to help you thrive in your career and personal life
  • engage in discussions about current issues affecting the health and care sector and explore solutions for ongoing challenges
  • network and connect with like-minded professionals.
Pricing 

The price to attend is £220 + VAT.

To make the conference more accessible, we are pleased to offer a reduced rate of £110 for delegates at Band 8A or below. If you qualify, please complete this form to request your discount. Please note that, due to limited availability, rates will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book your place

Registration is now open – book your place today.

This event is likely to sell out, so we encourage you to secure your place early.

If you have any trouble registering your place, please email eventbookings@nhsconfed.org.
 

Speakers and exhibitors

If you are interested in speaking at our annual conference this year or if your organisation would like to secure an exhibition stand, please contact us at women.leaders@nhsconfed.org.