Leading the Way: Role modelling for gender balance and real change – in partnership with WUN

19 May 2026
Utility Week Keynote Stage

Organisations play a critical role in actively shaping progress for women through visible role modelling and different approaches to achieving diversity. Join the Women Utilities Network (WUN) and senior leaders to hear short, honest reflections on the approaches their organisations have taken, from voluntary commitments to mandated targets and structural change.

  • What are the biggest lessons learned from these approached?
  • How have these approaches have affected women’s confidence, opportunity and sense of belonging
  • How can leadership behaviours influence culture?
  • How are different models of intervention are experienced by women?
  • How can organisations create change that is credible and sustainable?

Chair
Hayley Monks, Co-founder and Director - WUN (Womens Utilities Network) and MD of Echo

Panel
Jo Dow, Chief Executive - Business Stream
Heidi Mottram, Chief Executive - Northumbrian Water
Rebecca Sedler, Managing Director - National Grid Interconnectors
 
Chairperson
Hayley Monks
Hayley Monks, Co-founder and Director - WUN (Womens Utilities Network) and MD of Echo
Speakers
Jo Dow
Jo Dow, Chief Executive - Business Stream
Heidi Mottram
Heidi Mottram, Chief Executive - Northumbrian Water
Rebecca Sedler
Rebecca Sedler, Managing Director - National Grid Interconnectors