Women in Leadership Programme Launched

Business owners, employees and entrepreneurs are invited to boost their skills through a new Women in Leadership programme designed for females in the Ards and North Down area. 

Fully funded through Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Economic Development department, Women in Leadership will be delivered by South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) Business Services team online over 6 weeks. The scheme opens with a networking session on Monday 28 November 9.30 – 12.30pm at SERC’s Bangor Campus. 

Elaine Flynn, Commercial Contracts Manager, SERC said, “The Women in Leadership programme has been designed to help address many of the barriers that women must overcome in order to pursue their ambitions in leadership and management roles.   Participants will gain from five hours one-to-one mentoring - face to face or online - to address business and individual needs and challenges, a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification at Level 5 or Level 3 and two half-day confidence building networking sessions. 

She added, “The course structure aims to minimise disruption to day-to-day business and home commitments whilst giving local women the opportunity to drive their career progression for those leadership and management roles that will help drive our local economy.” 

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas said, “I am delighted to support the launch of the Women in Leadership Programme. This great initiative gives women in our Borough the opportunity to take their career to the next level, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to help drive their business forward, during such tough economic times.

“Supporting more women into senior roles will not only make our businesses more representative, but it will also improve the products and services they deliver. The mentoring on offer through the Women in Leadership programme is invaluable. I would encourage anyone eligible to sign-up for this initiative to help take their career and business to the next level.”   Participants must be resident or working in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area. The programme is open to female business owners of Small or Micro Enterprises, employees, or individuals. Application does not guarantee a place on the programme.  Participation on the Level 5 CMI qualification is subject to eligibility criteria.   To apply contact claremcmanus@serc.ac.uk  

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC. 

Caption: Business owners, employees and entrepreneurs are invited to boost their skills through a new Women in Leadership programme designed for females in the Ards and North Down area. Fully funded through Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Economic Development department the programme will be delivered by SERC online over 6 weeks and opens with a networking session on Monday 28 November 9.30 – 12.30pm at SERC’s Bangor Campus. To apply contact claremcmanus@serc.ac.uk (L-R) Maura Bettes, Ards & North Down Borough Council and Elaine Flynn, SERC.