Overview
In 2021, Barts Health NHS Trust recognised the need to support women in overcoming barriers within their professional journeys, aiming to foster their growth and effectiveness in the workplace. The Trust’s primary objective was to encourage more women to attain senior-level positions, thereby addressing the prevalent gender gap.
To realise this vision, Barts Health NHS Trust collaborated with Treehouse, an external consultancy, to design and implement a specialised programme tailored for women. This programme aimed to equip aspiring female leaders with the requisite tools and self-assurance necessary to pursue and secure senior roles. Moreover, it aimed to instil empowerment among women across all management levels, enhancing their career trajectories and overall professional satisfaction.
Building on the success at Barts, the programme expanded across North East London in 2024/25 and is now being implemented more widely across London in 2025/26. By broadening its reach, we aim to foster a culture of empowerment and professional growth for women in finance throughout the region.
Session Topics
- Understanding Myself – My preference and effective communication
- My Confidence – Personal brand and gravitas
- Personal Effectiveness – Work life balance and time management
- My Resilience – Giving and receiving feedback
- Networking and Advocacy – Building relationships
- My Career – CV building blocks and career vision
- Skills and Integration – Practice interviews and presentation practice
Eligibility and Application
This London Finance Academy programme is available to women in NHS Finance at band 6 – band 8d across London.
Applications now closed.
Programme delivery:
The Programme is delivered by our external partner Treehouse. Treehouse are a fully managed Learning & Development service, with a strong, female-led faculty with strength and depth in leadership development.
Programme Impact and Feedback
Feedback across all metrics and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Notably, the gender pay gap in the team dropped from 10.3% in March 2021 to 4% in January 2023.
“I remember at the beginning thinking, how can I thrive when I feel like I am drowning. But now I have belief in myself, self-confidence, and feel deserving. Realising my capability has helped with my self-belief.”
— Barts Thrive participant, September 2022
“The Thrive program has been an incredible opportunity for me to further develop leadership skills and build relationships with colleagues across finance and procurement. It’s been useful to practically work through problems through action learning sets, and meeting monthly has provided the opportunity to build on strategies and techniques, shadow senior meetings, and grow in confidence. I’ve used the skills learned with my team, and it’s been invaluable in career planning and considering my next steps within the Trust.”
— Barts Thrive participant, September 2022
“Just want to say thank you for the opportunity to complete this programme — I found it really inspiring and learnt new things about myself, as well as how to progress and become a better leader.’
— NEL Thrive participant, January 2025
