As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Agena Group proudly emphasizes its dedication to gender equality and the advancement of women in leadership roles. Central to this commitment is our Women in Leadership program, which includes the Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship standard, Women in Leadership, level 3.
Lisa Davey, one of our female managers, shares her experience: “I’ve been on the Women in Leadership course for a few months now, and it’s already provided valuable insights into adjusting my approach to effectively support my team. Focusing on my strengths has helped drive us toward our targets. Though some aspects challenge me, the coaches and tutors have been invaluable in guiding me through to achieve my qualification.”
At Agena Group we recognise the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring equal access to opportunities for professional growth and development regardless of gender. Our Women in Leadership program is tailored to support and empower women at all levels of the group, from entry-level positions to senior management roles.
One of our Warden Team Leaders, Stacey Dean, another participant in Agena Group’s Women in Leadership program, reflects on her journey: “Participating in the Agena Group’s Women in Leadership program has been transformative for me. It’s provided me with invaluable tools and support to excel in my role and contribute meaningfully to our team’s success. I’m excited to continue my journey of growth and empowerment within the group.”
Robyn Baker, Operations Team Leader, shares her perspective on the program: “Since starting my Women in Leadership course, I have found a number of different ways to lead my team. I have a great team already, but extra tips always help! My mentor is always there if I have any questions or need help, and I get to meet a variety of other women from different companies/roles across the UK in the workshops. “
One of the key objectives of our program is to identify and nurture female talent within the group. Through targeted mentoring, coaching, and leadership development initiatives, we equip our managers with the skills, resources, and support needed to succeed and advance in their careers.
Alison Ashurst, our Projects and Integration Director at Agena, reflects on her career in tech, “Being a female in a male-dominated industry has its challenges, but I’ve been lucky to have supportive line managers who focus on getting the job done well. However, there’s still a long way to go in addressing the gender imbalance, and I believe initiatives like flexible working and apprenticeships can make a significant difference.”
The ‘Women in Leadership’ initiative, presented by Raise the Bar, offers an immersive management development experience. Tailored to the Team Leader/Supervisor Level 3 apprenticeship standard, this initiative hones essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours vital for such roles. It delves into fundamental leadership strategies and personal development techniques aimed at achieving career objectives and fostering a transformative mindset. This programme celebrates and promotes female leadership and workplace diversity, striving to inspire, energise, and empower existing female leaders, while also nurturing the growth of future talent.
Beyond the core Team Leader/Supervisor Level 3 Standard requisites, the programme confronts various challenges unique to women in leadership roles. Topics such as overcoming imposter syndrome, harnessing the power of female assertiveness, tackling unconscious bias, trusting one’s intuition, boosting self-confidence, and showcasing individual talents are central to the curriculum. Additionally, it covers critical and often unspoken issues like workplace stereotypes, managing menopause, addressing ‘hepeating’, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, Agena Group reaffirms its commitment to championing gender equality and empowering women in leadership. With 45.94% of our people leaders being female, we take pride in the progress we’ve made through our programmes and remain dedicated to creating a workplace where every individual, regardless of gender, can realise their full potential.