London Euro MP celebrates success of women management and leadership project in the capital

Citation

(2007), "London Euro MP celebrates success of women management and leadership project in the capital", Women in Management Review, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/wimr.2007.05322bab.001

London Euro MP celebrates success of women management and leadership project in the capital

Women who participated in the Elevate Management and Leadership Training for Women Programme recently celebrated the achievements of this two-year project at the project's final event at City Guildhall in London, UK. They were joined by numerous guests including Jean Lambert, London's Green Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

She said: “Elevate has provided an extremely valuable and positive project in really aiming to meet the needs of women in management. This has fulfilled a need in society and also looked at innovative practice including the environmental dimension, which in my view is essential to any well run organisation. The results and success of the project speaks volumes about women's ability to lead in the workplace.”

Over the past two years, Elevate has helped over 220 women from across London through training in management and leadership with the ultimate aim of promoting gender equality in the workplace. This led to the achievement of 100 units towards National Vocational qualifications units at Level 3 or 4.

Support available also included one-to-one or group coaching. The initiative was particularly successful in reaching out to women from ethnic minorities (69 per cent of participants) and those working for the community and voluntary sectors. Additionally, it also included four networking events on sustainable development which helped to raise awareness of green issues.

Feedback from participants and findings from the external evaluation have highlighted the project's success in meeting and exceeding the expectations of women. The large majority of participants felt that the training helped their confidence and will improve their career prospects.

The women only approach, the availability of individual coaching as well as childcare and travel bursaries were emphasised as particularly effective elements of Elevate in helping women to overcome barriers to progression in the workplace. The programme funded by the European Social Fund and the London region Learning and Skills Council was delivered through a partnership between the Women's Resource Centre (WRC), as lead partner, and AdviceUK, Aspire Training and Coaching, Social Enterprise London, The Innovatory, and Yvonne Field Associates.

For further information visit the Elevate web site: www.wrc.org.uk/training/elevate.htm