Summer Fayre in Westminster Hall

For the first time a Summer Fayre was held in Westminster Hall with stalls selling branded gifts and sampling tradtional English cider along with delicious new food products which are being sold in the newly created and very smart House of Commons Gift shop. 


It was great fun to see the Morris Dancers in full flow – a contrast to the usual more sedate happenings!

State Opening of Parliament

Ascot hats were the order of the day when Pink Shoe Club Ambassadors met for drinks to view the State Opening procession and arrival of the Queen before enjoying a splendid lunch in the House of Commons. 

Women in Public Life

The first cohort of the Women in Public Life programme have successfully completed their final session.

Pictured here with Programme Director Vanda Green.

The feedback from all involved has been excellent. Recruitment will begin in early autumn for the full programme which starts in early 2015.

Tête-à-Têtes with Kate Barker CBE

It was literally standing room only for an absorbing Tête-à-Têtes Afternoon Tea with Kate Barker CBE in conversation with Jill Pay. 

First we heard all about Parliament being 'Prorogued' as Jill explained the history and protocols leading up to the State Opening of Parliament. 




Kate then led us through a very personal career history, explaining exactly what is involved leading two major Government Reviews. Jill's questions really hit the spot and covered all the topics we most wanted to hear about and giving a behind-the-scenes insight into the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee.


We also heard some of Kate's Top Tips for career success, which resonated very well with guests. They include: 'be open to opportunities' 'form alliances with others'  and 'have confidence in your transferable skills'. 

Great advice from the highly successful and refreshingly down to earth Kate Barker CBE.

Pink Shoe's 7th Birthday!

It’s hard to believe that Pink Shoe Club is now 7 years old! 

At the House of Commons, guests sparkled as much as the wine and the evening was said  by several members and guests to be the best party ever! 

There was much to celebrate with the launch of the Pink Shoe Foundation and the awesome Pink Shoe Senate. 

Celebrations were held in our usual style with fabulous guests, stunning food and the ubiquitous pink fizz.

All agreed that not only has a huge amount already been achieved, there is much more to come.

Public Appointments Reception at Admiralty House

The Cabinet Office is holding a series of Receptions hosted by The Rt Hon Francis Maude. The aim is to encourage more women into Public Appointments. From its aspirational aim of achieving parity, ie 50%, the Minister was delighted to tell us that almost 40% of Public Appointments are now held by women.

Pink Shoe Club was able to take the first Shadowing Scheme cohort of women to the latest event, along with Programme Director Vanda Green. 

This reception focused on appointments with the NHS. It was an excellent opportunity for the Pink Shoe Cohort to meet women already holding senior appointments to gain greater insight into the roles available and what is needed to take up a post. 

Aperitivo at Parliament Street

By popular demand we have revitalised our intimate ‘Aperitivo’ informal drinks. These select gatherings of members who are invited by ballot enable smaller groups to connect in greater depth and make a change from the larger PSC events. 

For the latest Aperitivo we were back at one of our favourite spots in Parliament Street. Along with the Pink Shoe Senate Chairman and several of the Senators, were Trustees from the Pink Shoe Foundation. We welcomed new members and were reacquainted with some familiar faces.