Points West - Chartered Institute of Housing

10POINTSWEST Women’s NetworkingCIH SW Women’sNetworking event – abig hit with delegatesEvent organisers from l to r Wendy Murphy, Kathie Pearceand Jitinder Takhar.“Such a relevant and enjoyableday - do it again!”‘‘It was great to network and sharenew ideas.”“An excellent and thoughtful day.”“This should be an annual event.”These comments from delegates sum up the success ofthe first CIH SW Women’s Networking event held at theWessex Hotel in Bournemouth on January 26. Organisedby Kathie Pearce, Jitinder Takhar and Wendy Murphy theevent attracted over 60 women working in housingacross the South West.The aim of this unique and innovative event was to• Refresh and update key professional skills andcompetencies.• Inspire and motivate delegates on their career path.• Provide a first class networking opportunity.• Enable delegates to hear from high achieving womenhousing professionals in the South West.The message for the day to all delegates was“Be confident, reactive and proactive at alltimes… don’t wait for it to happen – MAKEIT HAPPEN!”Speakers included Anne Elliot, Managing Director of EMSConsulting Ltd,Ann Santry, Chief Executive of theSovereign Housing Group, Jo Savage Director ofCustomer Services at Synergy Housing and JitinderTakhar, Lead Director, Signpost Homes Ltd.Discussion topics and workshops were wide ranging andincluded recruitment, confidence building, becoming selfemployed, dressing for the occasion, mentoring, speednetworking, taking control of your future career, positiveleadership and the comprehensive spending review.There was a Question & Answer session in the afternoonfeaturing some of the key speakers, some of the SouthWest’s inspiring and talented senior professionals.Delegates were invited to question the panel about workissues and career progression.“This was a unique event in the region for women and I amso delighted that we received such positive feedback.TheEvent and Programme overall were rated 100% good/ verygood by delegates. I would like to thank everybody involved inorganising this event. In the future we hope to be able to rollout similar events throughout the CIH regions.”Kathie Pearce, Event organising teamPresentations for this event can be found at:http://www.cih.org/events/seminars/SW-WomensNetworking/presentationsOver 60 delegates attendedfrom across the region.Gill Marias, stylist/image consultant from Debenhamsgives handy tips on dressing for the workplace,interviews and that meeting!www.cih.org your work is our business