Join us for a unique Women in Finance event bringing together leaders and future leaders from across the customer-owned sector.

 
Hosted jointly by the Building Societies Association, Nationwide Building Society, Yorkshire Building Society and the Association of Financial Mutuals, this event will showcase how mutual and customer-owned organisations are championing women, strengthening local communities and supporting economic growth across every region of the UK.

Taking place in Leeds on Thursday 26 November 2026, the event will bring together senior leaders from across financial services to explore the role of the customer-owned sector in creating opportunities for women at every stage of their careers. The event will focus on a number of areas:

• Championing Women in Leadership within customer-owned businesses
• Strengthening community growth through customer owned initiatives
• Launching a customer-owned Women in Finance network

A key focus of the day will be the development of the next generation of female leaders. Alongside insights from some of the most influential voices in financial services and public policy, attendees will have the opportunity to build networks, share experiences and contribute to the conversation about the future of leadership within the sector.

This event provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the mutual sector while exploring how we can collectively create a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous future.

Who should attend?

This event is designed for senior leaders, aspiring leaders, diversity and inclusion champions, HR professionals, and colleagues from building societies, credit unions, mutual insurers and other customer-owned organisations.

Speakers include:

Sarah Harrison CB MBE, Chief Executive, Building Societies Association
The Rt Hon Lucy Rigby KC MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury
Dame Debbie Crosbie DBE, Chief Executive, Nationwide
Susan Allen OBE, Chief Executive, Yorkshire Building Society
Julie Whitehead, General Counsel, Royal London
Ciara Davies, Chief Executive, The Money Co-op
Annette Petchey, Chief Executive, Police Friendly & Metfriendly
Caroline Domanski, Chief Executive, No1 CopperPot Credit Union
Debbie Shearer, Head of First Line Risk, Cumberland Building Society
Nici Audhlam-Gardiner, Chief Executive, Foresters UK
Additional speakers to be announced

Further information:

Timings: 11:00 -15:00 (registration from 10:30)
Location: Cloth Hall Court, Leeds
Cost: Free to attend - by invitation only
Register: Please register your interest if you'd like to attend

(Registration closes at 17:00 on Friday, 20 November 2026 - places are limited)

In partnership with: