‘Centre of Government is still much too male’, highest-placed female civil servant tells conference

FDA Vice President, Sue Gethin, introduces keynote speaker Dame Helen Ghosh - Home Office permanent secretary - at the 2011 Women into Leadership conference

Around 200 delegates attended the fully-booked Women into Leadership conference organised by the FDA and training company Westminster Explained, in association with sister unions Managers in Partnership and Prospect. The event, which took place on 22 September 2011 at Centre Point in central London, was aimed at women who aspire to leadership roles within - and outside of - the public service.

The conference agenda was formed through a planning group of senior women, set up by the FDA Women's Network and the union's national officer for diversity and equality, Ro Marsh. The conference itself was chaired by FDA Vice President Sue Gethin.

The highest-placed female civil servant - Home Office permanent secretary Dame Helen Ghosh - gave the keynote address, with speakers including national statistician at the UK Statistics Authority, Jil Matheson; Dr Vicky Pope, head of climate science at the Met Office; director of corporate services (Benelux) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sally Langrish; and Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell.

Ghosh referred to the centre of Government as "still much too male... there are not enough visible females at the Cabinet Office and the Treasury".

In answer to whether women can have it all and get to the top of the civil service, Ghosh responded: "No, not without giving things up - time to yourself, time with your children... But the civil service does give the best set of options. Sir Gus O'Donnell hasn't had it all and neither have I".

She advised delegates to "know what you want...I knew fundamentally what I wanted and what I was prepared to compromise on... Know yourself - your 'brand' - and look after yourself, emotional resilience starts with physical resilience".

FDA member Deb Lonnon won the union's prize draw for a free place at the conference. She described the day as "packed with interesting speakers, willing to share personal experiences and offer their tips for success. It helped me to re-energise and re-focus my career choices... I thoroughly recommend the day to all women in the civil service who are interested in progressing their own careers and focusing on what it means to be an enthusiastic, energetic and inspirational leader".