Women's Springboard Network: how to join

The Women’s Springboard Network had a motivating afternoon refreshing their knowledge of the Springboard Development Programme and networking with colleagues in person for the first time in over 2 and half years. 

Over 50 colleagues attended the training workshop; some of whom completed the first Springboard programme held back in 2013.

The Network was set up in 2019, for women who have completed the Springboard Programme, to continue their learning and benefit from peer support from fellow Springboarders. 

It was recognised last year by the Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Allán Laville, as Reading’s first Diversity and Inclusion Professional Development Network.

This year, the Network held a half-day refresher workshop with the inspirational Springboard trainer, Chris Cross (first on the left in the above photo). Members had the chance to focus on recent achievements and challenges, consider their ‘superpowers’ and the pivotal moments in their careers, to set new goals, and to make new connections with colleagues.

Feedback from members on what they gained from the training included:

• “My in-person Springboard experience was cut short by Covid, so it was brilliant to meet up with some ladies from my cohort and meet new people”
• “A reminder of the importance of goal setting and a chance to reflect on what I had achieved since I originally did the programme”
• “Thinking about my superpower - having the question phrased as it was made it easier for me to identify my main strength”
• “It was a moral boosting and much needed session. I did the programme a long time ago now and needed a booster of enthusiasm and focus”
• Some words used to describe the work of the Network were: “Supportive, joyful, inspiring, great women’s vibe, aspirational”

The Network meets termly to focus on a key Springboard theme and hear from a guest speaker about their career progression. The next meeting in the Autumn Term will be face to face on Tuesday 11 October 11.00-12.30 in Chancellors G03.

If you have completed the Springboard Development Programme, and would like to join the Network, please email Springboardnetwork@reading.ac.uk. If you are interested in completing the next Springboard Development Programme, please contact People Development (peopledevelopment@reading.ac.uk).