Search begins for new Women in Business Chair

An influential group which has campaigned to champion gender equality in the workplace, as well as showcasing and celebrating the important contribution women provide in successful enterprises is on the search for a new chair.

The Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Women in Business working group is the only group of its kind currently operating within South Yorkshire, and was created to help enterprising women come together to help others unlock their potential, whilst championing gender diversity within the Sheffield City Region.

For the past seven years, enthusiastic, energetic and enterprising group has been chaired by Jackie Freeborn. During a period which has seen both Barnsley and Rotherham Councils appoint their first female Chief Executive, both towns elect female members of parliament, as well as the Chamber appointing its first female president since the merger of Barnsley and Rotherham Chambers in 2009, Jackie feels the time is right to review and refresh Women in Business.

As well as looking to recruit a new chair, the group is also looking for new members to join its steering group which organises a range of regular networking events, whilst offering a platform to support and collaborate with other like-minded individuals.

Jackie Freeborn, Chair, Women in Business said:

“It has been a genuine privilege to have acted as Chair of Women in Business for the past seven years. We’ve achieved a lot during that time, but there’s so much more to do. Our vision has always been to inspire, encourage and support women to achieve their full potential.

“My time in the chair has been an amazing journey which has been shaped and influenced by some truly amazing women, whom I have learned from, been inspired by, who have supported and encouraged me. However, now is the right time for me to step down, enabling the group to review its purpose, set new objectives and continue to support and celebrate diversity within the local business community.

“We’ve come a long way over the past seven years, and I would urge anyone who is interested in gender issues in the workplace, female or male, to come forward and get involved in shaping the exciting next phase of the working group.”

Any member of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is eligible to apply to join the Women in Business working group, either as chair or as a member of the group. Application forms are available from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and can be obtained by contacting Deputy Chief Executive Carrie Sudbury [email protected] or call: 01709 386200 for an information discussion about the role.

Applications close on 31st July 2019.