Suzannah Brecknell: The Women into Leadership events have been running for 15 years this year, and last year you launched an awards ceremony to accompany them. What sparked that launch?
Kiren Kaur: I've been a part of Women into Leadership for over five years now and I've seen first-hand the impact these events can have in bringing people together, creating networks and sparking conversations that lead to real change. But I also felt that there was a gap – while we talk a lot about the barriers and challenges, we don't always pause and celebrate the women who are achieving really incredible things. Not to mention the allies and organisations who help to make change happen. For me the awards were a natural extension: a way of really shining a light on those stories and giving them visibility as well as inspiring others across the civil service and beyond.
It's certainly one of the reasons I’ve been delighted to join as a judge – because there are so many inspiring women in the civil service and it’s great to amplify their stories. I obviously saw the final shortlist last year, but what was the overall response like to those first awards?
Honestly, it was overwhelming. It really showed how much people wanted this space, not just to recognise individuals, but to really celebrate teams, projects and allies who are making a real difference. We received over 100 nominations in the first year. I was genuinely moved by the stories that came through the nominations. Some were about big, high-profile achievements, but many were about quiet, persistent efforts that had transformed a team, supported colleagues, or made a long-term difference. It emphasises how leadership comes in many forms – and that sometimes the most powerful changes come from people who don’t even see themselves as leaders.
And what are you looking for this year in the nominations?
We're always looking for impact. That might mean someone who has blazed a trial and opened doors for others. Or someone who has championed inclusion in their workplace or an organisation that has delivered a project with real benefits for women who are in leadership. And it's not just about titles or job grades: it’s about the difference people are really making, and the examples they set for others. We really want stories that others can look at and think: "Yes, that's possible and I can learn from that."
As you said at the start, the Women into Leadership events are a moment to build networks and spark conversations – how have you seen the topics of those conversations change over the years?
When I first began working on the Women in Leadership events a lot of the conversations were about personal leadership journeys: how to build confidence, find mentors, navigate challenges in often male-dominated spaces. Those themes are still important, but I've noticed the conversations are broadening. We're also talking about more about structural barriers, organisational culture and the systems needed to actually create a fairer pathway. There's also a stronger emphasis on intersectionality – really recognising how experiences differ by race, class, disability or geography. And ultimately, that leadership is not one-size-fits-all.
Absolutely, there are so many ways to be a good leader. Years ago I interviewed Karina Singh, who is a regular speaker at Women into Leadership events and also a director at the National Infrastructure and Transformation Authority. She said it takes a while to find your own leadership style – you can observe and learn about leadership, but you can’t pretend to be someone else. She also shared some advice which has resonated with me over the years, which is that very often we focus on our weaknesses, but part of developing your leadership style is working out what your strengths are and leaning into them. What is the best piece of advice that you've picked up from Women into Leadership over the years?
Something in particular that has always stuck with me is: don't wait to feel ready – step forward anyway. We've had so many women hold back because they don't tick every box or feel they haven't earned their place yet, but actually leadership is often about learning as you go and really having that courage to take the next step. Hearing so many senior women share how often they've doubted themselves, yet still gone for it, has been incredibly powerful and definitely something I try to pass on.
I guess we can relate that back to the awards – someone reading this might think, I’m not the kind of person that would win an award. But I would encourage them to have confidence. Just get your nomination in, show us the impact, tell us the story of what you've done…
Absolutely! It's about driving that change. You’ve got to be in it to win it, and it could mean more than you realise. For the nominee, it’s a boost of confidence and a signal that their work matters. For the wider community, every nomination helps build a library of inspiring stories that others can learn from. And for the nominator, it’s a chance to give back – to say thank you and to help elevate voices that deserve recognition. It only takes a few minutes, but the impact can be lasting.
Nominations for the Women into Leadership Awards close on 8 September. Find out more and nominate here