Payal Walker and Sandra Wiggins facilitate game-changing Think Tanks to redefine board diversity in the UK.
In a bold move to shake up the UK's leadership landscape, Women on Boards CIC® (WOB CIC) is spearheading a campaign to diversify boardrooms across the SME and entrepreneurial landscape. As the government continues to prioritise corporate giants, WOB CIC is making waves by advocating for systemic change that includes businesses of all sizes, especially those who are underrepresented in the entrepreneurial spaces.
Commitment and collaboration
The journey began in June 2023 when Payal reached out to Sandra about a potential partnership, setting the groundwork for what has become a transformative mission. By September 2023 the CIC was officially incorporated, paving the way for a series of strategic initiatives aimed at creating the ecosystem for inclusive business environments, at the highest levels of business governance.
Sandra shared.
“Coming from male-influenced industries and known for my straightforward talk, I'm driven to elevate women's voices and strive for a level playing field”
Many organisations claim they speak for their audiences but, do they really, when they fail to engage them? This is where WOB CIC strives to make impactful change by providing a space where our key partners, industry and entrepreneurial voices can be heard.
Payal adds,
“Age or gender should never be a barrier to growth. As a lifelong learner, I believe in collaboration and am committed to empowering women entrepreneurs on their journey.”
Investing in expertise and building alliances
In a decisive step towards equipping its leadership team with the tools needed for change, WOB CIC invested in valuable training from the Think Tank Research School in Brussels. The training was an immersive experience which has proved to be a crucial foundational tool - enabling the pair to build the knowledge to refine their approach to addressing the leadership gap, attracting a collaborative network and fleshing out the strategic goals and overarching mission.
The momentum has continued to build.
In January 2024, WOB CIC announced its first Collaborative Partner, UN Women UK via LinkedIn, signalling a significant alliance with like-minded, purpose-led organisations.
Consistently gaining support
The trajectory for WOB CIC has consistently gained support with a further announcement in March 2024, just before the Official Launch event which was held at the House of Lords. Barclays Eagle Labs came onboard as a Key Support Partner.
This partnership underscores the growing recognition and support for WOB CIC’s mission to level the playing field for women when it comes to accessing to board-level positions.
First Think Tank event
On June 6th, 2024, WOB CIC hosted its first official Think Tank event.
This landmark gathering, at Barclays, Canary Wharf London, bought together support, research, impact and media partners, as well as a cross-section of female entrepreneurs from a range of industry specialisms.
The insights gained from the series of Think Tanks planned over the next 12 months will be pivotal in shaping future policies and initiatives.
Driving systemic change
Under the facilitation of Payal Walker and Sandra Wiggins, Women on Boards CIC® is poised to revolutionise the way SME and entrepreneurial boards are structured. By lifting the lid on the current state of play through the Think Tanks that are being held.
The Think Tank’s include representation from real businesses, one of the key goals is to not only assess today’s reality, but as the research is compiled, to also advocate for policies that support gender diversity and adequate training to support women as they progress to senior leadership roles.
Their work is set to uncover the urgent need for government and industry stakeholders to look beyond corporate giants and recognise the opportunities that the UK’s backbone:
the SMEs and entrepreneurs who, continue to significantly contribute to our local economies.
Get involved
The team at Women on Boards CIC® is calling on key stakeholders in government, leadership organisations, and advocacy groups to join this movement.
The time to act is now.
Together, through a collaborative and supportive effort, WOB CIC is focused on creating business environments where finding Women on Boards isn’t just a pipe dream.
But where Women on Boards is the standard.
For more information, please contact WOB CIC’s media partner:
Harpreet Stevenson
Director, of Collective Companion Marketing Solutions
The official launch of Women on Boards CIC® held at the House of Lords in March 2024.
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