Elevate Equity 2026: Increasing Women's Career Expectancy

Watch on demand

The sessions from Elevate Equity 2026: Increasing Women's Career Expectancy are now available to watch on demand.

Hosted by TV presenter, mathematician and equality advocate Rachel Riley, this event brought together employers, industry experts and thought leaders to explore how organisations can help more women enter, thrive and progress throughout their careers.

Register to access all three panel discussions and hear practical insights on widening access to careers, improving retention, and supporting more women into leadership roles.

Register now

Watch on demand

What you'll learn

Across three expert panel discussions, speakers share practical approaches to:

• Widening access to STEM and digital careers
• Improving retention in female-dominated professions
• Supporting more women into leadership and decision-making roles
• Building inclusive cultures that help women develop longer, more rewarding careers

You'll hear real-world examples of skills development, sponsorship, allyship, flexible working and career progression strategies from employers and sector experts.

On demand sessions

Women remain underrepresented across many STEM and digital professions. This session explores the barriers preventing women from entering these sectors and the actions employers can take to widen participation, develop skills and create more accessible career pathways.

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Featured speakers

Elizabeth Barr

Lead for Cisco Networking Academy

Anne-Marie Imafidon

CEO of Stemettes
Trustee for the Institute of the Future of Work

Phebe Mann

Deputy Chair of Council, Institution of Civil Engineers
STEM Champion, Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering
Open University Associate Lecturer

Josh Robertson

Founder, Engineer a Career

Despite making up the majority of employees in sectors such as healthcare and education, many women leave these professions before reaching their full career potential. This session examines the factors influencing retention and progression, and explores how employers can create environments where women are supported to stay and succeed.

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Featured speakers

Corinna Thomas

Senior Programme Lead, NHS England

Dr Helen Casey

Associate Head of School for Social Work, The Open University

Alice Choi

Chief Operating Officer, Prezent Inc & Women of Influence mentor, Cancer Research UK

Jane Lambert

Registered Nurse & CEO of Makewell

A longer career does not always lead to leadership opportunities. This session explores how organisations can support women into senior roles through effective development opportunities, sponsorship, allyship and inclusive leadership practices.

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Featured speakers

Priscilla Li

Vice President at frog, Capgemini Invent

Professor Josie Fraser

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, The Open University

Mark Cameron OBE

CEO, The 5% Club

Puja Patel

Head of UK Universities and Migration Lead, Santander

Register to watch on demand