Now in its ninth year, the Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the UK’s female talent pipeline below management level. Our strategic goal, set in 2015, aims to showcase 1,000 outstanding women by 2025. By highlighting the accolades of these women, WeAreTheCity are not only promoting the amazing female talent that exists across the UK, but actively encouraging organisations and business leaders to invest in and recognise these women as leaders of tomorrow and individual contributors to their respective industries.
These awards will recognise and celebrate a further 100 female individual contributors from over 20 different industries that represent the leaders and role models of tomorrow. These winners will join our award’s alumni of 850 previous winners, across the UK and India.
We are now once again inviting you to nominate an amazing woman, champion, man or company. The nominations process for all categories, our Rising Star Champions, Global Award for Achievement, Company of the Year and Men for Gender Balance Awards open on 16 January 2023.
For details of the criteria to enter the awards, visit here.
Nominations will open online on 16 January. You will be able to access the nomination platform via the Rising Stars’ website. Nominations will close after a eight week period on 15 March.
A shortlist of ten women from each industry category and ten from the Champion, Global Award for Achievement and Men for Gender Balance categories, alongside three shortlisted companies for the Company of the Year award, will be chosen by an esteemed panel of judges. Once the shortlist is announced, we will also open the public votes of support, which enables individuals to show their support for a specific shortlisted individual.
All winners will be announced on 22 May and will be invited to celebrate at a prestigious award’s ceremony in July 2023.

Our Champion award recognises the achievements of five senior individuals, male or female, who are actively supporting the female pipeline outside of their day job. Nominations for this award are individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to gender, eg HeForShe supporters, Network Leaders, Directors, MD’s or C-Suite individuals who are championing women either inside or outside their organisations.
Our Men for Gender Balance award recognises the achievements of five senior men who are championing women and gender balance either inside or outside their organisation. Nominees must be at least Director level (or equivalent) or above, must demonstrate that they have actively supported the female pipeline either through their current work role or external activities and must be working in the UK.
The Company of the Year award recognises the achievements of a company who can clearly demonstrate that they are actively supporting its female talent pipeline through their initiatives, training, development programmes and internal employee relations and diversity network groups.
The Global Award for Achievement category expands our search for global talent. This category is a female individual who works within any industry, outside of the UK, whose current position is below director level.
Have you ever looked at WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star awards and thought about entering? Have you ever seen the winners announced and thought, next year I am going to enter those awards!
Well before you pen your nomination, you might want to join us behind the scenes for this awards nomination tips and tricks, session with founder and serial awards judge, Vanessa Vallely OBE.
During this session Vanessa explains:
Nominations open
16 January 2023
Nominations close
15 March 2023
Shortlist announced
09 May 2023
Public vote opens
09 May 2023
Voting closes
16 May 2023
Shortlist celebration
TBC May 2023
Winners announced
22 May 2023
Awards Ceremony
TBC July 2023

November
06nov10:0015:00CPD Accredited Menopause Champion Course
06/11/2025 10:00 - 15:00(GMT+00:00)
Join us on our CPD Accredited Menopause Champion Course Our course includes practical tools, DEI considerations and step-by-step guidance to help Champions feel confident and equipped to offer real support — not just awareness. Here’s what’s included: Understanding Menopause
Our course includes practical tools, DEI considerations and step-by-step guidance to help Champions feel confident and equipped to offer real support — not just awareness.
Here’s what’s included:
Understanding Menopause
– Key stages and common symptoms
– How menopause impacts work and wellbeing
Diversity in Menopause
– Different experiences across cultures, health, age, and gender identity
Managing Menopause
– Overview of HRT, natural options, and practical strategies
Navigating GP Appointments
– How to self-advocate, track symptoms, and prepare for appointments
Supporting Colleagues
– Fostering openness, having sensitive conversations, and making adjustments
Creating Menopause Action Plans
– Step-by-step template to ensure support and inclusion
Championing Inclusion
– Guidance for supporting neurodivergent, disabled, diverse, LGBTQ+, and frontline staff
Your Role as a Champion
– Responsibilities, boundaries, signposting, and building trust
The course also includes:
✅ A Menopause Action Plan template
✅ Navigating GP Appointments document
Plus loads more free resources!
DATE: Thursday 6th November
DATE: Wednesday 17th December
Place: Zoom
Time: 10.0am – 3.00pm
Cost: £395 (including certificate)
19nov10:0013:00MenoMinds – Free Training for Women in Business | Menospace & Minds That Work
19/11/2025 10:00 - 13:00(GMT+00:00)
Introducing MenoMinds – Free Training for Women in Business We’re excited to share MenoMinds, a fully funded programme created by Menospace and
We’re excited to share MenoMinds, a fully funded programme created by Menospace and Minds That Work, supporting women in business, freelancing, or entrepreneurship through the emotional and mental challenges of menopause.
Wednesday 19th November | 10:00am – 1:00pm (UK)
Live on Zoom | 💷 Free (funded by NEBOSH’s Social Purpose Programme)
Menopause can affect confidence, focus and wellbeing — MenoMinds helps you take back control with practical tools and a supportive community.
You’ll explore the CARE Framework:
Includes a digital workbook and invitation to monthly community groups on sleep, nutrition and stress management.
Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and women in small or micro-businesses (under 50 employees).
Facilitators: Haley White (Menospace) and Victoria Brookbank (Minds That Work)
19nov12:3018:00Masculinity in the Workplace - 2025 (In-person)
19/11/2025 12:30 - 18:00(GMT+00:00)
Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL
Brought to you by Token Man and The Hobbs Consultancy. Welcome to Masculinity in the Workplace, designed specifically to

Welcome to Masculinity in the Workplace, designed specifically to engage men with creating inclusive cultures. Marking International Men’s Day, the objective of our event is to give men both the reason and the skills to lean into the conversation, while also providing women and non-binary people with the confidence to engage more men in culture change. Because ultimately we can only make real change by working together.
Date: Weds Nov 19 2025
Time: 12.30pm to 6pm
Location: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL
Our speakers will share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of masculinity, leadership and culturein diverse work environments. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, participate in interactive sessions, and network with like-minded professionals.
The theme for this year is ‘Supporting Boys to Men to Role Models’. This year’s event will seek to understand the concerns and barriers that are in the way for boys and men, particularly looking at key inflection points in their lives. It will equip parents, leaders, friends and persons of significance in the lives of young men with the tools for self-reflection, effective role modelling and courageous conversations..
It will suggest that status-seeking and risk-taking behaviours are innate as boys become men, look at how this shows up for boys in 2025 and question what support could help these boys have a more positive initiation in to adulthood so that they are ready for the workplace. We know that there is a reverse gender pay gap and that schools aren’t preparing students in the same way to enter the professional workplace – what needs to be done?
We will look at the behaviours that are role modelled by men once they are in the workplace. Is it healthy for us to look for male role models, or is a search for positive behaviours more effective? What can we learn from how men are represented on screen and in the media? And what can we do to support our men once they are in the workplace?
This site is for the in-person experience. Otherwise you can register for the online version here.
FYI – lunch will not be provided

This event is for anyone passionate about creating more inclusive, equitable, diverse and human workplaces, and we welcome attendees of all identities and expressions.
Historically, our audience has included around 60% men and 40% women or non-binary people, with a wide range of roles and lived experiences.
This year, we’re especially keen to welcome CEOs, HRDs, CMOs, Inclusion & Diversity leaders, People & Culture teams, and anyone working to engage men more effectively in their organisations. Whether you’re a parent, people manager, or someone invested in systemic culture change, this event is for you.
By attending, you’ll be joining a growing community of people committed to reshaping masculinity, unlocking allyship, and building workplace cultures where everyone can thrive – from boys and young men to senior leaders and everyone in between.
20novAll DayDigital Transformation Conference
20/11/2025 All Day(GMT+00:00)
Mercure London Earls Court
London
Ready to transform your business in the digital age? The upcoming Digital Transformation Conference UK promises an exceptional opportunity for leaders who want to accelerate change, embrace innovation and shape
Explore how industry leaders are redefining digital and business transformation. Learn proven strategies, gain fresh perspectives, and connect with peers shaping the future of technology and enterprise. Tactical & practical content to drive your transformation efforts.
Throughout the day, delegates can look forward to a diverse programme of content exploring every aspect of digital transformation, business change, and innovation. Hear best practices, lessons learned, and insights into real-world challenges from leaders driving progress across digital, technology and IT.
If you’re a C-suite leader, head of innovation, transformation or IT, this is the place to be. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to scale up, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, new contacts and a renewed sense of direction.
