APM Women in Project Management Conference

Programme and streams

Across our plenary and stream sessions, a range of speakers from the profession and beyond, shared their own stories and the skills and behaviours needed for your personal and professional advancement.

Stream 1 | Women in Leadership

Stream chair: Katy Benedetto, KBR and Gemma Jones, Frazer-Nash Consultancy

True to the overarching theme, this stream will unpack what leadership means for women in the project profession. You’ll hear inspiring stories from women who have reached positions of leadership, gain an understanding of creating your own pathway to leadership, and hear valuable advice and guidance on negotiating pay, pension and workplan during your journey to the top.

Stream sponsored by KBR | Frazer-Nash Consultancy

Stream 2 | Celebrating Differences

Stream chair: Kay Sanders, CEO CITI

It’s commonly accepted that the more diverse a team, the more productive it is – which in itself can lead to greater project success. But how do employers go about creating environments of inclusion? In this stream we’ll celebrate the differences that make up diverse teams by exploring neurodiversity, unpicking why male allyship matters, and discussing the roles of inclusive leaders in fostering psychological safety in teams.

Stream sponsored by CITI

Stream 3 | Career Development Tools & Techniques

Stream chair: Laura Bowmer, Certinia

Packed with interactive workshops, this stream will equip you with valuable tools to progress your career. Not only will you come away with a greater understanding of the fundamentals needed to set up a project for success, you’ll also learn some valuable stakeholder management skills and understand how to move your career forward by using goal setting techniques and growing your network.

Stream sponsored by Certinia

Conference programme (subject to change)

🕐 09:30-09:45 Plenary \| Opening remarks Irene Maposa - Chair, WiPM Interest Network
🕐 09:45-10:30 Plenary \| Opening keynote: Natalie Campbell MBE - Social entrepreneur and broadcaster Leadership Unpacked: Pace, Passion and Purpose Go on a journey with Natalie that started at the age of 15 as she delivers a powerful yet simple 3P framework that unpacks leadership through times of challenge and triumph.

🕐 11:00-11:45
Stream 1 \| The pathway to leadership - how to become a project leader Panel chair: IJ Samuel - Turner & Townsend Panellists: Donna Sinnick - Babcock, Sarah Wilkes - Frazer-Nash, Carly Walters - MoD Dstl Hear from our panel of senior female leaders in the project profession as they discuss potential pathways to positions of seniority. They'll use examples from their own experience to provide advice and tools that can be used by the audience for career progression planning. The panel will also address barriers to progression and explore new approaches redefining leadership opportunities. This session is ideal for any project professional aspiring to reach the top, whatever their career level.
Stream 2 \| Panel discussion: Why male allyship matters Panel chair: Siu Mun Li - Multiplex Panellists: Jessal Murarji - MEXE, Jonathan Greenfield - Tideway, Smith Umoren - City of London Academies Trust Male allies play a crucial role in supporting and advancing women in leadership. But why are they so important? How does male allyship work in practice and how can male project professionals champion women's progression in the workplace? This session will tackle all these questions and more.
Stream 3 \| Tips & Tools for Successful Project Management Speakers: Ciara McLean - Stantec, Charlotte Brew - Sellafield Starting out in project management? Find out what you need in to ensure you are giving your project the best chances of success. This session will offer practical advice on effective project management by getting the foundations right first time.

🕐 11:55-12:55
Stream 1 \| Negotiating your pay, pension and workplan Host: Sarafine Baz - MIGSO PCUBED Speakers: Sacha Hind - Network Rail, Jane Ferré - Executive Career Coach, Dr Lorna V Kennedy - DEFRA The gender pay gap is one of the biggest challenges facing the project profession today. According to the 2023 APM Salary and Market Trends Survey, the gender pay gap in the project profession is 16% higher than the national average. But how can project professionals, as individuals, work towards towards fairer pay for all? Negotiating pay, pension and your own work-life balance can be challenging, particularly if you don't know where to start. We've selected experienced professionals in this area to form a panel to provide advice, suggestions and guidance. In this session they'll discuss methods of negotiating a better pay deal, how to understand your pension options and discuss ways forward as future leaders.
Stream 2 \| Inclusive leaders empower inclusive workplaces Speakers: Elizabeth Nolan - Sackers, Sarah Outterson - Babcock, Roselyn Unegbu - Thames Water, Ali Parish - UK Government Regardless of our career stage, current role or seniority, we are all potential leaders. Being an inclusive leader can strengthen relationships with colleagues by creating a more supportive and collaborative network and positively impact workplace culture, which can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being. Through an interactive and engaging panel session we will share inspirational experiences, look at challenges faced and ways in which we can support the achievement of inclusive workplaces. What steps must we take to become inclusive leaders and how can we look after our well-being and that of colleagues on the journey? Delegates will also have the chance to submit their own challenges in this area in advance of this session, for our speakers to discuss and provide solutions. More information on this will be sent to all ticket holders in due course.
Stream 3 \| Interactive workshop: Using performance, image and exposure to improve your network and utilise career connections Speaker: Rachael Keeble - Builtwell PM This session will discuss the benefits that come from having a high-quality network of professionals around you. The session will also include interactive exercises around tools and techniques you can use to grow your own, high-performing network.

🕐 13:55-14:55
Stream 1 \| The role of flexible leadership in supporting women at work Speaker: Clare Hornsby, BAE Systems In today's world, flexible ways of working are becoming more commonplace. But the term flexible working can mean many things. How does applying a flexible approach help support women in the workplace? What role do line managers play in applying flexible leadership approaches? By encouraging work-life balance, providing development opportunities, creating a supportive environment, recognising achievements and offering feedback and guidance, line managers can support female employees to thrive and succeed in their roles.
Stream 2 \| The power of neurodiversity in project teams Host: Sorrel Gilbert - APM board member Speakers: Bel French - Gleeds, Gary Jones - Parliamentary Digital Service, Claire Dellar - NHS England A 2023 survey by APM found that one in three project professionals are considered to be neurodivergent. One in seven of these had not disclosed their neurodivergence to their employer, many because they would feel uncomfortable doing so. In addition, women were more likely than men to not have informed their employer. This indicates there is clearly an opportunity for employers and teams to foster a culture of inclusivity across the project profession, but to do this a greater level of understanding about neurodivergence, in all its forms, is needed. This session aims to provide insight and understanding of neurodiversity by hearing first hand about the experiences of neurodivergent people, particularly in the environments created by being a project professional, or part of a project team. The audience can expect to take away a greater understanding of the part they can play in creating environments of inclusion around this complex and sensitive area.
Stream 3 \| Interactive workshop: Managing difficult conversations as a project professional Facilitator: Rochelle Sampson-Clarke - NHS Speaker: Sheilina Somani, APM board member All project professionals experience challenging or difficult conversations during their career. As with all things project management – preparation is everything. This session will explore challenging conversations relating to project management roles, career progression, sponsor discussions and stakeholder management. Delegates will participate in exercises/discussions to allow them to explore how they can evolve self-management techniques.

🕐 15:15-16:00
Stream 1 \| In conversation with: Dr Yvonne Thompson MBE followed by interactive quick fire session Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE DL In this session the audience will hear from experienced and well respected project leader APM President Dr Yvonne Thompson MBE as she shares her challenges and key learnings along her pathway to leadership. The audience will also have an opportunity to ask Yvonne questions. Following this we will run a quick-fire interactive networking session where the audience will have the chance to share their own stories with their neighbour, speaking about their own learnings and challenges along the way.
Stream 2 \| Navigating change: global and hybrid working models Speaker: Dr Penny Pullan - Making Projects Work Ltd The landscape of project management is transforming with a greater emphasis on global and hybrid working models. Women in Project Management are uniquely positioned to navigate this change successfully. This session talks about the strengths, skills and perspectives we can bring to our change journey with the awareness of hybrid working, flexible models and global teams to recognise the complexities of effective change management.
Stream 3 \| Career Forward: Planning for progression Speaker: Jess Annison OBE - Leadership & Career Coach This interactive session will develop delegates' understanding of how to goal set to plan out career journeys, including how professional qualifications and memberships can be leveraged to help with career progression and how use of mentoring and coaching can help you reach your goals.

🕐 16:05-16:50 Plenary \| Closing keynote speaker: Maggie Alphonsi MBE - England Rugby World Cup winner Creating a winning mindset In this session delegates will be encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, be courageously brave and create change by leading from the front. They will explore what kind of leader they want to be and how others can follow. Overall, the session will leave delegates feeling energised, inspired and motivated.
🕐 16:50-17:00 Plenary \| Closing remarks Irene Maposa - Chair, WiPM interest Network
🕐 17:00-1800
Drinks reception

🕐 09:30-09:45 Plenary \| Opening remarks Irene Maposa - Chair, WiPM Interest Network
🕐 09:45-10:30 Plenary \| Opening keynote: Natalie Campbell MBE - Social entrepreneur and broadcaster Leadership Unpacked: Pace, Passion and Purpose Go on a journey with Natalie that started at the age of 15 as she delivers a powerful yet simple 3P framework that unpacks leadership through times of challenge and triumph.

🕐 11:00-11:45
Stream 1 \| The pathway to leadership - how to become a project leader Panel chair: IJ Samuel - Turner & Townsend Panellists: Donna Sinnick - Babcock, Sarah Wilkes - Frazer-Nash, Carly Walters - MoD Dstl Hear from our panel of senior female leaders in the project profession as they discuss potential pathways to positions of seniority. They'll use examples from their own experience to provide advice and tools that can be used by the audience for career progression planning. The panel will also address barriers to progression and explore new approaches redefining leadership opportunities. This session is ideal for any project professional aspiring to reach the top, whatever their career level.
Stream 2 \| Panel discussion: Why male allyship matters Panel chair: Siu Mun Li - Multiplex Panellists: Jessal Murarji - MEXE, Jonathan Greenfield - Tideway, Smith Umoren - City of London Academies Trust Male allies play a crucial role in supporting and advancing women in leadership. But why are they so important? How does male allyship work in practice and how can male project professionals champion women's progression in the workplace? This session will tackle all these questions and more.
Stream 3 \| Tips & Tools for Successful Project Management Speakers: Ciara McLean - Stantec, Charlotte Brew - Sellafield Starting out in project management? Find out what you need in to ensure you are giving your project the best chances of success. This session will offer practical advice on effective project management by getting the foundations right first time.

🕐 11:55-12:55
Stream 1 \| Negotiating your pay, pension and workplan Host: Sarafine Baz - MIGSO PCUBED Speakers: Sacha Hind - Network Rail, Jane Ferré - Executive Career Coach, Dr Lorna V Kennedy - DEFRA The gender pay gap is one of the biggest challenges facing the project profession today. According to the 2023 APM Salary and Market Trends Survey, the gender pay gap in the project profession is 16% higher than the national average. But how can project professionals, as individuals, work towards towards fairer pay for all? Negotiating pay, pension and your own work-life balance can be challenging, particularly if you don't know where to start. We've selected experienced professionals in this area to form a panel to provide advice, suggestions and guidance. In this session they'll discuss methods of negotiating a better pay deal, how to understand your pension options and discuss ways forward as future leaders.
Stream 2 \| Inclusive leaders empower inclusive workplaces Speakers: Elizabeth Nolan - Sackers, Sarah Outterson - Babcock, Roselyn Unegbu - Thames Water, Ali Parish - UK Government Regardless of our career stage, current role or seniority, we are all potential leaders. Being an inclusive leader can strengthen relationships with colleagues by creating a more supportive and collaborative network and positively impact workplace culture, which can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being. Through an interactive and engaging panel session we will share inspirational experiences, look at challenges faced and ways in which we can support the achievement of inclusive workplaces. What steps must we take to become inclusive leaders and how can we look after our well-being and that of colleagues on the journey? Delegates will also have the chance to submit their own challenges in this area in advance of this session, for our speakers to discuss and provide solutions. More information on this will be sent to all ticket holders in due course.
Stream 3 \| Interactive workshop: Using performance, image and exposure to improve your network and utilise career connections Speaker: Rachael Keeble - Builtwell PM This session will discuss the benefits that come from having a high-quality network of professionals around you. The session will also include interactive exercises around tools and techniques you can use to grow your own, high-performing network.

🕐 13:55-14:55
Stream 1 \| The role of flexible leadership in supporting women at work Speaker: Clare Hornsby, BAE Systems In today's world, flexible ways of working are becoming more commonplace. But the term flexible working can mean many things. How does applying a flexible approach help support women in the workplace? What role do line managers play in applying flexible leadership approaches? By encouraging work-life balance, providing development opportunities, creating a supportive environment, recognising achievements and offering feedback and guidance, line managers can support female employees to thrive and succeed in their roles.
Stream 2 \| The power of neurodiversity in project teams Host: Sorrel Gilbert - APM board member Speakers: Bel French - Gleeds, Gary Jones - Parliamentary Digital Service, Claire Dellar - NHS England A 2023 survey by APM found that one in three project professionals are considered to be neurodivergent. One in seven of these had not disclosed their neurodivergence to their employer, many because they would feel uncomfortable doing so. In addition, women were more likely than men to not have informed their employer. This indicates there is clearly an opportunity for employers and teams to foster a culture of inclusivity across the project profession, but to do this a greater level of understanding about neurodivergence, in all its forms, is needed. This session aims to provide insight and understanding of neurodiversity by hearing first hand about the experiences of neurodivergent people, particularly in the environments created by being a project professional, or part of a project team. The audience can expect to take away a greater understanding of the part they can play in creating environments of inclusion around this complex and sensitive area.
Stream 3 \| Interactive workshop: Managing difficult conversations as a project professional Facilitator: Rochelle Sampson-Clarke - NHS Speaker: Sheilina Somani, APM board member All project professionals experience challenging or difficult conversations during their career. As with all things project management – preparation is everything. This session will explore challenging conversations relating to project management roles, career progression, sponsor discussions and stakeholder management. Delegates will participate in exercises/discussions to allow them to explore how they can evolve self-management techniques.

🕐 15:15-16:00
Stream 1 \| In conversation with: Dr Yvonne Thompson MBE followed by interactive quick fire session Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE DL In this session the audience will hear from experienced and well respected project leader APM President Dr Yvonne Thompson MBE as she shares her challenges and key learnings along her pathway to leadership. The audience will also have an opportunity to ask Yvonne questions. Following this we will run a quick-fire interactive networking session where the audience will have the chance to share their own stories with their neighbour, speaking about their own learnings and challenges along the way.
Stream 2 \| Navigating change: global and hybrid working models Speaker: Dr Penny Pullan - Making Projects Work Ltd The landscape of project management is transforming with a greater emphasis on global and hybrid working models. Women in Project Management are uniquely positioned to navigate this change successfully. This session talks about the strengths, skills and perspectives we can bring to our change journey with the awareness of hybrid working, flexible models and global teams to recognise the complexities of effective change management.
Stream 3 \| Career Forward: Planning for progression Speaker: Jess Annison OBE - Leadership & Career Coach This interactive session will develop delegates' understanding of how to goal set to plan out career journeys, including how professional qualifications and memberships can be leveraged to help with career progression and how use of mentoring and coaching can help you reach your goals.

🕐 16:05-16:50 Plenary \| Closing keynote speaker: Maggie Alphonsi MBE - England Rugby World Cup winner Creating a winning mindset In this session delegates will be encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, be courageously brave and create change by leading from the front. They will explore what kind of leader they want to be and how others can follow. Overall, the session will leave delegates feeling energised, inspired and motivated.
🕐 16:50-17:00 Plenary \| Closing remarks Irene Maposa - Chair, WiPM interest Network
🕐 17:00-1800
Drinks reception

APM Women in Project Management Conference

Programme and streams

Stream 1 | Women in Leadership

Stream 2 | Celebrating Differences

Stream 3 | Career Development Tools & Techniques

Conference programme (subject to change)

🕐 09:30-09:45

Plenary | Opening remarks

🕐 09:45-10:30

Plenary | Opening keynote: Natalie Campbell MBE - Social entrepreneur and broadcaster

Leadership Unpacked: Pace, Passion and Purpose

🕐 11:00-11:45

Stream 1 | The pathway to leadership - how to become a project leader

Stream 2 | Panel discussion: Why male allyship matters

Stream 3 | Tips & Tools for Successful Project Management

🕐 11:55-12:55

Stream 1 | Negotiating your pay, pension and workplan

Stream 2 | Inclusive leaders empower inclusive workplaces

Stream 3 | Interactive workshop: Using performance, image and exposure to improve your network and utilise career connections

🕐 13:55-14:55

Stream 1 | The role of flexible leadership in supporting women at work

Stream 2 | The power of neurodiversity in project teams

Stream 3 | Interactive workshop: Managing difficult conversations as a project professional

🕐 15:15-16:00

Stream 1 | In conversation with: Dr Yvonne Thompson MBE followed by interactive quick fire session

Stream 2 | Navigating change: global and hybrid working models

Stream 3 | Career Forward: Planning for progression

🕐 16:05-16:50

Plenary | Closing keynote speaker: Maggie Alphonsi MBE - England Rugby World Cup winner

Creating a winning mindset

🕐 16:50-17:00

Plenary | Closing remarks

🕐 17:00-1800

Drinks reception