Since launching in late 2013, Pure’s Women’s Leadership Programme has become a popular course for aspirational female professionals across the East of England.

Delegates get the opportunity to sharpen their skills, learn powerful techniques and share knowledge with their peers. Women complete the programme with increased ambition, confidence and determination to go on to become effective business leaders.

But the programme isn’t just about giving people leadership skills. It also helps women identify barriers at work that may prevent them from getting into director-level roles, such as a lack of flexible working. Women are also encouraged to work with their mentor to break down these barriers. So, taking part in the programme is a major commitment for the delegate, the mentor and the employer; all three are pledging to make long-term changes to their working culture.

To get a place on what is fast becoming a widely-respected programme, delegates need to secure support and funding from their employers - this means a winning business case is needed!

If you’re thinking about applying for the initiative, here are some benefits to help you build a case for your employer, and secure that crucial training budget.

1.    Proven to boost performance

Research has proven that positive business benefits come from having more women in senior executive positions. By looking at ways to help you and other female staff work their way up to directorship, your employer would be making a wise business move. It’s not just about improving performance over the next few years - it’s likely to have a long-term, sustainable impact.

2.    Enhancing employer reputation

By funding your place on the Women’s Leadership Programme, your boss could attract new recruits who hear about their commitment to gender equality. Your organisation could also be seen as a place that encourages talent. Many male and female job seekers want to work for bosses who support their staff, and who promote diversity. By bringing down the barriers that are identified as a result of the programme, your employer could earn a deserved reputation for being innovative and forward-thinking.

 3.    Developing a strategy

By taking part in the programme, you can help your employer develop their gender equality strategy. You’ll also learn how to set targets for improvement and how to measure against those goals.

4.    Racing ahead of the game

Some industries are still male-dominated at senior level. But since there’s excellent talent to be found among both genders this picture is likely to change in the future. However, more women need to be encouraged to move into such sectors. By funding a place on the Women’s Leadership Programme, your employer could leap ahead of the rest of its industry by taking proactive steps in nurturing more female talent and supporting them into the senior recruitment pipeline.

5.    Supporting work-life balance

The programme helps women find the right balance in their work and home life so they can effectively manage their careers and excel. It is equally vital for both male and female employees to strike this delicate balance. This can help them to stay healthy generally, feel engaged and maintain focus at work, enabling them to make lasting contributions to their organisations.

6.    Inspiring colleagues

Delegates have left the Women’s Leadership Programme with a sense of pride and feel encouraged to aim high. They return to work with a greater positivity and assurance that they can tackle the hurdles that obstruct their career paths. In doing so, they are likely to be a source of great inspiration to their colleagues and peers.

That’s not all - there are other benefits for your organisation and employer. If you’d like to find out more, just drop us a line - we’d be happy to fill you in: lynn.walters@prs.uk.com.