Economic Blueprint Board Meeting

Team EB met at Westminster to discuss progress and agree priority actions for the first half of 2018. With so much activity in all areas it was an exciting meeting.

Chaired by Jill Pay, key discussion points included a presentation from Jacqueline Winstanley on the Inclusivity Framework she has gifted to EB and which will apply across the entire Blueprint. The stages required to implement the framework were clarified with the board who will take it back to their respective groups. 

Sandy Meadows, Diana Chrouch, Almira Ross and Lola Owolabi reported that progress on the Know & Grow software has been dramatic with a pilot underway in partnership with Middlesex University. It was agreed to plan a soft launch for mid-2018.

Action points were captured by Lynn Turner and full outcomes and updates across the seven workstreams will be shared via a newsletter to be circulated at the end of Q1.

BoardAble Public Appointments Seminar

With its BoardAble programme and seminars Pink Shoe does its bit to encourage more women and under-represented groups to consider a Ministerial Public Appointment. 

The latest Seminar was well attended and a great session led by Helene Martin Gee and Vanda Green.

First, Katharine Purser Head of the Centre for Public Appointments at the Cabinet Office outlined the wide range of appointments available and shared with delegates the application process from start to finish and how the final decision is made by the Minsiter from a shortlist of ‘appointable candidates’. 

Katharine also encouraged delegates to sign up for the regular Public Appointments Newsletter which outlines latest roles.

We then heard from BoardAble Patron Sarah Anderson CBE, who has wide experience of chairing Appointments Panels. Sarah advised us of the vital importance of the supporting statement and summarised the points to cover. 

Giving an insight into the difference between the private and public sectors, Sarah advised delegates to persevere with applications; perhaps to start with roles such as School Governor and to think about the NHS who have a range of regional posts.

After Q&A Vanda Green led an interactive session with delegates who then enjoyed refreshments and networking to round off the event.

The next step is the full BoardAble programme which begins in March. Delegates were welcomed to apply for the course, which mirrors the application process of a Public Appointment. The programme is aimed at senior women and diverse candidates. It includes professional seminars and a unique one-to-one shadowing experience with a public appointee.

A well-deserved MBE for Loraine Midda

From the fashion business to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her own IT training company, to the House of Lords computer office and heading up members' services for the Parliamentary digital service; Loraine Midda has never done things by halves and the MBE awarded to Loraine in the Queen’s Birthday Honours reflects this.

Honoured for her contribution to IT, Loraine was also recognised for many years supporting and fundraising for Haven House Children’s Hospice. See: https://www.havenhouse.org.uk/

We’re delighted to add our sincere congratulations to Pink Shoe Ambassador Loraine, whom many members also know from being a wonderful host at some of our events.

Here is Loraine with Prince William at Buckingham Palace receiving her honour. 

And with some of the guests at her celebration party.

Karen Mattison on Flexible Working

It was a full house at the latest EY Women's Network event hosted by the inspiring Joanna Santinon as we heard from Karren Mattison MBE, co founder of Timewise, along with Andy Clewer of EY.

Rather than talking about part-time, calling this flexible working is more accurate and appealing explained Karen. 

With 650,000 flexible workers at all levels of career this is a trend that is growing strong right up to board level. 

And flexible working certainly isn't just for women as Andy Clewer was happy to tell us, extolling the benefits of his own part time career at EY.


For many roles flexible working is the future and the Timewise Power Part Time List of 50 inspiring part time leaders, from across industry, the public and third sectors perfectly demonstrates this.

Ambassadors' Christmas Luncheons

This year for the first time we held Christmas luncheons to complement the seasonal soirée that members know and love. A great way of meeting up with friends in the more intimate setting of our private room. The company was brilliant, and we stayed far longer that the scheduled 2-hours.

Service was top notch and the chefs excelled with a deliciously modern take on turkey with all the trimmings or tasty veggie options along with yummy puddings, coffee and chocolates.

Winter Soirée

To round off the year in true Pink Shoe style, Ambassadors and guests had a wonderful time at the Winter Soiree, held on the shortest day of the year. 

As ever it was a superb celebration of the season. Guests enjoyed fizz and the usual sumptuous buffet then the evening ended with mulled wine and mince pies for great send-off to the festivities.

Public Appointments Action Plan

With increasing recognition of the value that diverse talent brings to an organisation, Government launched its Public Appointments Diversity Action Plan at the National Portrait Gallery. 

The plan is supported by the Prime Minister who is committed to working with her Cabinet to increase the breadth of talent within public bodies.

We heard from Chris Skidmore, Minister for the Constitution at the Cabinet Office, about the proactive steps Government is taking to deliver on its ambitious Action Plan to increase the talent pipeline and attract the brightest and best.