Maria Miller MP, welcomed Hampshire’s Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney to Basingstoke to launch a series of Inspiring Women Events. The event was hosted by ENI Engineering and was well attended by professional women from Basingstoke businesses and charities.
The Chief Constable spoke about her personal journey through the ranks to her current post and about the challenges of encouraging more women into senior roles within the police.
The audience then questioned the Chief Constable and a panel of three; Ann Davies, Head of the Family Department at Solicitors Lamb Brooks, Kathy Slack, Executive Director of the M3 Local Enterprise Partnership and Catherine Waters-Clark Founder of Charity Inspero. Questions covered a wide range of topics including flexible working, representation of women on boards and under representation of women in key positions.
Maria commented; “I was delighted to welcome Hampshire’s Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney to Basingstoke. Olivia is one of four of the Country’s Female Chief Constable’s and she spoke about the need to encourage more women into senior roles within the police.
The audience were very interested in her experiences within the police force and keen to question her about a variety of topics including modern day slavery and the changing nature of crime. The panel also gave their insight from different perspectives and this really helped show how women can encourage others by sharing their own experiences.
Alun Thomas who hosted us at ENI ensured that the event was relaxed and attendees felt able to ask questions and engage with each other. I am looking forward to welcoming other guest speakers and am certain that the Inspiring Women Series will encourage women to apply for roles in areas which they have not previously considered.”