Women working in the environmental and sustainability sector urged to attend networking hub

Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School is hosting a networking and coaching event, helping women to build careers and influence in the sustainability sector.

Women in Sustainability is at the Northern Design Centre (NDC) in Gateshead on Thursday November 23. Delivered in partnership with career coach Rhian Sherrington, it is aimed at established and aspiring sustainability professionals looking to create positive change for a sustainable world.

Rhian has already established network hubs in Bristol and London, drawing women from private, public and charitable sectors and from a diverse range of organisations and companies. Now, women in the North-East working in areas such as resource management, waste, energy, transport, water, food, facilities, farming, communications, research, policy, campaigns, media, housing, retail and professional services are being encouraged to attend.

Dr Jenny Davidson, Director for Learning and Teaching and Senior Lecturer Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Newcastle Business School, said: “The ethics and values of sustainability are increasingly central to strategic planning for organisations of all sizes. Having worked in the sector for 20 years, I have always sought out my own networks for development and support, and we know from our research that women are central to addressing the challenges of sustainability. The networking hubs and coaching provided by Rhian elsewhere have already proved extremely helpful to women who want to bring about positive change in the field and we are delighted to be supporting the initiative in the North-East. Outcomes and findings from the day will also provide valuable evidence and data for our wider research on women in leadership.

“While the first event will also act as a taster session, we are planning to run regular networking hubs in the future to offer ongoing support to women building careers in this area.”

Rhian Sherrington, MSc, ACC - Founder, Women in Sustainability, added:"Women in Sustainability Network Hubs offer women working across the 'green' sector a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded women, to be inspired and learn with and from each other. From our experiences with our Network Hubs in London and Bristol, we know how powerful women can be when they come together around a common purpose and shared values base. We're very excited to be heading up to Newcastle and hope that our taster event on 23rd November will be the start of building a vibrant community in the North East".

For more information on Women in Sustainability and to book a place please visit: http://womeninsustainability.co.uk/event/newcastle-hub-wins-network