Women Inspired – South Yorkshire

The South Yorkshire Women’s Network exists to inspire, empower, and elevate women from all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We are a community rooted in compassion, equity, and collaboration, committed to removing barriers, amplifying women’s voices, and creating opportunities for meaningful personal and professional growth.

We recognise that structural inequalities, gender bias, and the unequal impact of work-life balance continue to hinder many women’s progress. In response, our network offers a dedicated space where women can connect, lead, and thrive, supported by mentorship, shared learning, and leadership development tailored to their lived experiences.

While our focus is on the empowerment of women, we also champion allyship and inclusivity, encouraging dialogue and greater understanding across all genders to build a more equitable and supportive future for everyone.

Together, we are shaping a culture where every woman feels seen, heard, and fully equipped to lead. 

In December 2022, the first South Yorkshire Women’s Network was established. Initially the ICB set up annual face to face networking events to bring women working in health and care across South Yorkshire together (details below about each event).  However in July 2024 a South Yorkshire wide Women's network was set up and titled 'Women Inspired – South Yorkshire', the coordination of the network lies with the SY ICB People Experience team.

To join Women Inspired – South Yorkshire’s mailing and invite list, please complete this form 

Women Inspired - South Yorkshire Committee members

Amy Pope - Head of Comms

Amy is currently working as a Project Support Manager in the NHS HR Futures team at NHS South Yorkshire ICB and supports on a variety of workforce related projects and networks. Amy joined the NHS in 2024 but has previously worked in social care and voluntary settings. Amy also loves any opportunity to be creative at work and enjoys designing different visual resources that are informative, accessible, and engaging.

Brigitte Kaviani - Head of Strategy & People   

 Brigitte is Programme Director for People Experience at South Yorkshire ICB, bringing over 38 years of NHS experience. She leads strategic workstreams including mental health, wellbeing, retention, EDI, and talent. Brigitte was named Employee Benefits Professional of the Year in 2024 and spearheads the ICS-wide ‘Mission: Menopause’ initiative. She is a passionate advocate for women’s health and a key supporter of the South Yorkshire Women’s Network.

Caroline Branigan - Head of Health & Wellbeing

Caroline leads health and wellbeing initiatives at SY ICB, supporting both internal staff and the wider health and care workforce. With over a decade in NHS HR roles, she is passionate about improving the wellbeing of women in the sector and driving sustainable, inclusive support programmes.

Hannah Din - Chair                                                                                                                                          

Hannah Din is the CEO and Founder of Thrive Social Capital CIC, a social enterprise empowering ethnic minority and marginalised communities through inclusive employment, education, and wellbeing.  With over 20 years of experience in the finance and corporate world, including work at the New York Stock Exchange and ownership of a hotel, restaurant, and bridging finance company across the UK and UAE, Hannah brings a wealth of commercial expertise to her community driven mission.                 

Louise Berwick - Deputy Chair

Louise is the Director of the South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub and leads a multi-disciplinary team. Louise is dedicated to helping individuals reach their potential and believes the Women’s Network plays a vital role in addressing structural inequities and providing a safe space for support and discussion.

Paris Pinnock - Cowell - Head of EDI

Paris is Senior Project Manager for EDI at SY ICB and a registered midwife. With experience in community care, safeguarding, and cultural safety, she brings both lived and professional insight to her role. Paris champions equity, inclusion, and intersectionality within the Women’s Network.

Sarah Cooke - Head of Admin

Sarah is a Business Support Officer in the People Experience Team at SY ICB, with over five years of NHS experience. She plays a vital role in the smooth running of the team and is a passionate advocate for the Women’s Network.

Sarah Newbold - Deputy to Head of Strategy & People -

Sarah is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience across NHS, charitable, and private sectors. Currently seconded to Barnsley Hospital NHS FT as People Promise Manager, she brings deep leadership and system-level insight. Sarah is committed to challenging inequality and amplifying underrepresented voices in healthcare.

Victoria (Tori) Russell - Head of events                                                                                                         

 Tori is Admin Co-ordinator at the Yorkshire Endoscopy Training Academy. With a background in labs and organisational development, she excels in planning and delivering impactful events. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail help bring the Women’s Network’s vision to life.

To contact any of the committee members email syicb.syicswomensnetwork@nhs.net

Upcoming Webinars, Workshops and Events 2025:

Webinars: 

More Information on webinars coming soon.

 

Courses and workshops:

Tuesday 9th September (1-2pm) - Sleep Essential for Women + interview with Dr Guy Meadows workshop book here

Tuesday 16th September (1.30-4.30pm) - Understanding and Managing Imposter Syndrome  Workshop book here

Wednesday 24th September (12-1pm) - Neurodiversity in the Workplace - The Role of the Line Manager and Organisation book here

To view our booking platform use this link Upcoming HWB Webinars and Courses :: South Yorkshire I.C.S.

See below recordings from the Women Inspired Webinars

11th February - Women Inspired: South Yorkshire Women’s Network - Breaking Barriers: Navigating systems and building careers webinar. 

​mp4 icon SY Women Inspired_ Race Equality Week Webinar-20250211_120533-Meeting Recording.mp4

Gina Yashere Talks About Her Mum | Live at the Apollo | BBC Comedy Greats - YouTube

Bo Escritt Bio

Bo Escritt Presentation

Shirley Kirkland Bio

Shirley Presenatation

22nd April - SY Women Inspired: South Yorkshire Women's Network - Women Empowerment Webinar with Laura Serrant.

Recording

12th May - SY Women Inspired Webinar - A World Beyond the Classroom: My Mission to Support Vulnerable Communities with Ridwana Wallace-Laher.

Recording

Presentation Slides

4th June - Sy Women Inspired Webinar - From Barriers to Bridges with Sofia Mahmood.

From Barriers to Bridges Presentation

10th July - South Yorkshire Women Inspired - Moving Beyond the Tick Box: Building Culturally Competent and Truly Inclusive Workplaces with Hannah Din.

Inclusive Workplace

Recording

14th July - South Yorkshire Women Inspired 1yr Anniversary - Resilience in the face of uncertainty - The importance of a glow up, Time out and laughing in the face of adversity with Shahida Siddique.

Presentation Slides

Recording

The Women Inspired Network held its first in-person event to share and celebrate the successes of women across South Yorkshire. This event included a diverse range of inspiring speakers sharing their lived experiences in the hope of connecting, inspiring and empowering all women in our region. 

The International Women's Day 2025 campaign theme is Accelerate Action. The theme focuses on speeding up women's equality.

Women Inspired Programme

Video

Article

https://niftyfoxcreative.pixieset.com/womeninspiredsouthyorkshire2025/

Women Inspired slides

 

Here are some snapshots of the day.

482798326_1173783530937630_5703445312756421044_n.jpg
Women's Inspired Event 2025
483299177_974938771283413_661384145569074486_n.jpg
Sleep Stall
483835727_9571090079608006_6939173657420551829_n.jpg
Target Sheffield Stall
483498040_639833472027939_567570664311333601_n.jpg
YWCA Stall
483023485_1326650045210123_3961992051629566883_n.jpg
Sheffield Mind Stall
482562520_890756433059112_7066052087357040930_n.jpg
SY ICB HWB Stall
482625477_3809062829407422_7684475404621694708_n.jpg
Women Inspired Programme
483773854_1347507032946798_2563779130643243783_n.jpg
Nifty Fox 
483178108_1167957438374394_8812918469888618354_n.jpg
Schedule
483175157_657205230058316_6006052813361486288_n.jpg
Nifty Fox Captions of the day
483295196_988362043394871_7463514648856930942_n.jpg
Networking
483390312_1284407102639193_5510335891241493370_n.jpg
Tori Head of events reflecting on the day
483099018_2952002134955837_1745803910505435150_n.jpg
Speaker Lou Mycroft
483114710_3926111680943118_1435788928654187467_n.jpg
Speaker Diane Offers
482805640_997044725185367_9132313210629707119_n.jpg
Hannah Din & Tori Russell - Slido Interaction
483618807_1711388989729606_7965563123683553064_n.jpg
Quote Alice Walker
482796237_1422787585753245_4341711739701693918_n.jpg
Xenia Sheffield

 

Meet Hannah Din Chair of the Women Inspired Network, she shares her story of how she started her career and explains about "Empowerment"

Meet Hannah

Meet Vicki Beevers a committee member of the Women Inspired Network, she explains what Neurodiversity week is and why it is important and shares her own story.

Neurodiversity Week

Meet Tori one of our Events committee for the Women Inspired Network, here she will reflect on the International Women's Day event.

Meet Tori  

Meet Laura Wiltshire who is a committee member of the Women Inspired Network, who explains what LGBTQ+ is and shares her own personal story.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ February 2025

Meet Najma Timms who is a committee member of the Women Inspired Network, who explains what Hijab and world Hijab day is.

World Hijab Day

On the 8th March, as part of International Women's day Doncaster Primary care hub arranged the first Women's network event aimed at colleagues in primary care and Voluntary sector.

This was the an opportunity to network with colleagues across primary care and the voluntary sector in South Yorkshire. We heard inspirational stories from local women’s leaders about their journey, barriers they have overcome and lessons they have learnt. The event was also an opportunity to learn about the menopause champion and advocate training courses we have on offer and the importance of menopause awareness for all staff in the workplace. 

Click Here to see all of the activities and events which took place on International Women’s Day 2024 across the ICS.

 

This event brought together inspiring women and their allies from across our organisations to share their stories and provide some insight and advice for career progression.  

To coincide with the theme for International Women’s Day 2024 the theme was ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and looked at the value women's inclusion, and the sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment that comes when women feel included at work.  

This event was hosted by Jo McDonough, Director of Strategic Development, RDaSH. Speakers included; 

Akeela Din Mohammed DL, Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Co-chair of Inclusion and Fairness Forum and Director of Health  

Kathy Lavery, Chair of RDaSH 

Christine Joy, Chief People Officer, SY ICB 

The network meeting in July 2023 was hosted by Sharon Mays, Chair of Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust, and speakers included;

  • Sheila Lloyd, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nurse RDaSH
  • Catriona Collins, Head of People Resourcing, Sheffield Children’s Hospital

We also spent time having table discussions on ‘Inclusive Recruitment for Women and People from Minority Backgrounds’ and many solutions were explored and put forward.

The first network meeting in March 2023 was hosted by Kirsten Major, CEO of Sheffield Teaching Hospital, and speakers included:

  • Mandy Espey, Health Inequalities Lead Doncaster, talked about her journey and shared some top tips.
  • Rukeya Miah, Deputy Associate Director of Nursing at Bradford Teaching Hospitals shared her passion for inclusivity.
  • Dr Maria Read, a Sheffield GP with over 50 years of Primary Care experience.

 

Our first event brought over 100 women together from across health and care in South Yorkshire and was hosted by Kathryn Singh, CEO at RDaSH. Speakers included; 

Ali Bishop, the EDI Lead for South Yorkshire ICS talked about the importance of peer networks 

Sheeba Jefferson, Deputy Nurse Director at Sheffield Teaching Hospital shared her personal journey 

Jo McDonough, Director of Strategy at RDaSH talked about barriers to progression such as mental health and physical conditions 

We also saw Kathryn Singh be presented with an award for a lifetime of commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion. 

Feedback from attendees of the session has been extremely positive: 

“Huge thanks for organising such a fantastic event and for having me in the company of such an amazing and inspirational group of leaders!” 

“Great event – so inspiring and interesting. Thank you so much.” 

“Thanks for a fabulous event. I was very inspired and made some great connections. Made to feel very welcome.” 

“Congratulations on a fabulous event today. It was so inspiring listening to those leadership journeys, which were different in many ways but had key themes running through all three.”

To see the amazing impact of our first event, see our short film.