Welcoming Women Back: Overcoming return-to-work challenges

This International Women’s Day, responsible business network Business in the Community (BITC) and Londonderry Chamber will bring together HR managers, line managers, and women who have recently returned to or are planning on returning to work, to explore and discuss the challenges many women face when returning to the workplace.

This may be due to returning from maternity leave, following carers’ leave, or after a period of illness.

Background
Long term absence can have an effect on confidence, energy levels, and even ambitions. During this event, we’ll be looking at the ways in which businesses can support women during this transition period and how they can increase their retention rates of this cohort of a talented workforce.

Agenda

• Refreshments & networking
• Welcome
• Key note speaker
• Panel discussion
• Closing remarks

SPEAKERS/PANEL

• Aoife Warren | Partner, EY
  • Aoife Warren is a Partner in EY’s Consulting Practice leading in the provision of Risk Consulting Services. Aoife’s focus is on transactions and exit readiness, dealing in IPOs, Private Equity, mergers, and demergers.  Aoife is also People Lead for EY Northern Ireland overseeing efforts to continue to make EY a great place to work. 

• Bláthnaid McCole | Chief Talent and Culture Officer at Hunter Apparel – currently undertaking Mini MBA Women’s Returners Programme at Ulster University
  • Experienced Personal Assistant to the CEO with a strong background in the textiles industry. My expertise spans across catering, food & beverage, hotel management, hospitality, and event management. A business professional with a BA Hons in Business Studies (Business/Marketing) from the University of Ulster. Currently working as Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Hunter Apparel Solutions Limited, where I focus on talent development, organisational culture, and leadership initiatives.

• Kathleen McDermott | Executive Director, FinTrU
  • Kathleen is the Executive Director of Operations for FinTrU North West. Kathleen a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in leading operations across various sectors, including banking, finance, telecommunications, media, and information technology. Her expertise spans BPO, managed services, and consultancy environments spearheading Growth and Transformation activities for Large-scale operations across diverse sectors.In 2022, Kathleen earned a Master’s degree in Innovation in Fintech from the Atlantic Technological University (ATU). She also holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management with Computing from Ulster University.
• Lorraine Acheson | Managing Director, Women in Business
  • Lorraine Acheson is the Managing Director of Women in Business Northern Ireland, the leading network for women in the workplace. With a passion for fostering inclusive growth, Lorraine leads initiatives that support women at all career stages—helping them start and scale businesses, advance in leadership and navigate key life transitions. Under her leadership, Women in Business NI has grown to over 10,000 members, expanding its impact to deliver meaningful change for women and the wider economy. Lorraine’s 25 year career spans management roles in the UK and Australia, with experience across the public, private and not for profit sectors. She originally hails from Lancashire and has lived in Belfast since 2010 with her husband and four children.

This event will take place 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at BEAM Social Enterprise Centre, Maydown Works, Derry/Londonderry. Free parking is available and refreshments will be provided.

Members and non-members of BITC and Londonderry Chamber are welcome to attend. .

PLEASE REGISTER HERE