Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Women in the Shade Conference 2026 'Deeds not Words'
Women in the Shade Conference 2026
'Deeds not words - Moving beyond discussion to focus on tangible actions that create lasting change'
Now in its third year, the Women in the Shade Conference is a pioneering event designed for officers and staff across the uniformed services — including policing, fire and rescue, the armed forces, and the NHS etc.
Our core audience is Black women and women of colour working within these sectors, recognising both their invaluable contribution and the unique challenges they face. The conference provides a dedicated space to connect, share lived experiences, and build strategies for thriving in professions where they remain underrepresented.
Conference Theme
We are once again proudly hosted by BT. This year, with the theme “Deeds Not Words,” we are moving beyond discussion to focus on tangible actions that create lasting change. Our aim is to identify practical strategies, share best practice, and empower leaders and colleagues to implement solutions that support Black women to thrive in their careers—particularly in predominantly white, male-dominated workplaces.
Conference Aims
• Turn conversations into action: Identify practical steps to support Black women in uniformed services.
• Empower and equip: Share strategies to thrive despite isolation, bias, and tokenism.
• Address systemic challenges: Explore barriers Black women face in predominantly white workforces, informed by research and lived experience.
• Promote accountability: Encourage organisations to implement measurable changes for equity and inclusion.
• Build community: Strengthen networks, mentorship, sponsorship, and collective advocacy for lasting impact.
By the end of this conference, delegates will leave not only with ideas, but with a clear sense of direction and practical actions to take back to their workplaces. Together, we move from conversation to measurable change — turning commitment into deeds, and words into lasting impact.
Closing Call to Action
Together, we aim to move from conversation to measurable change — turning commitment into deeds, and words into lasting impact.
Delegates information
Location: Three Snow Hill, Birmingham B4 6GA
Who should attend
The Women in the Shade Conference is primarily designed for Black women working in the UK’s uniformed services, including policing, fire and rescue, ambulance, and other emergency services.
We also warmly welcome supporters, advocates, allies, and community members who are committed to equity, inclusion, and driving positive change in these workplaces. This is a space for dialogue, learning, and collective action to empower Black women and those who champion their success.
Ticket prices
Early Bird pricing until the 15th December 2025
- Single delegate - £105.00 (plus booking fee)
- Group 10 or more £90.00 (plus booking fee)
Standard Pricing (after 15th December)
- Single delegate - £125.00 (plus booking fee)
- Group (10 or more) £105.00 (plus booking fee)
Meet our host and Key note speaker
Our Host: Merisha Stevenson
Key Note Speaker: Reni Eddo-Lodge
Key Note Speaker: Reni Eddo-Lodge
Empowering businesses by day and inspiring confidence on air by night, I'm Merisha!
With over two decades of experience, I'm an experienced Non-Executive Board Member for organisations which includes, West Midlands Probation Services. I'm a seasoned event host, growth strategist, and a passionate advocate for women unlocking their wealth potential.
My mantra, “Your Mindset is Your Economy," reflects my belief in the transformative power of mindset. I've not only preached success but lived it. From opening a hair and beauty salon to building multiple revenue streams, I understand first-hand the importance of feeling good and achieving greatness.
Let's build empires, confidence, and create unforgettable memories together—whether you're in a power suit or PJs!
@merishaspeaks on IG, Tiktok & X
Key Note Speaker: Reni Eddo-Lodge
Key Note Speaker: Reni Eddo-Lodge
Key Note Speaker: Reni Eddo-Lodge
Reni Eddo-Lodge is a journalist, author, and podcaster. Her debut nonfiction book, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, was published in June 2017 to critical acclaim and spent more than 52 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller list. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first Black British author to have written the number one selling book in the UK book charts.
A Sunday Times, New York Times and Der Spiegel bestseller, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race won the 2018 Jhalak Prize, the 2018 Bread and Roses Award for Radical Publishing, and a 2018 British Book Award for Narrative Non-Fiction. A 2018 public poll by Academic Book Week named it the most influential book written by a woman. Her podcast, About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge, premiered in March 2018 and was chosen as one of the best podcasts of the year by Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Harper’s Bazaar UK, The Guardian, British GQ, and Wired UK.
In December 2024, Reni launched Monument Books, a publishing imprint in collaboration with HarperCollins’ 4th Estate, with the mission to publish revelatory, original, and agenda-setting writing. As Editor-at-large, she shapes the vision of the imprint, curating works that explore historical, present-day, and future issues; champion distinctive writers; and foster storytelling that informs, inspires, and challenges. The imprint releases three titles per year spanning non-fiction, as well as select fiction and classics.
Meet our speakers
Speaker One: Deputy Lord Lieutenant Pauline Black OBE DL
Speaker One: Deputy Lord Lieutenant Pauline Black OBE DL
Speaker One: Deputy Lord Lieutenant Pauline Black OBE DL
Pauline Black: Performer, singer, actress, author, bandleader, documentary film-maker and songwriter, Pauline has dedicated four decades to the music scene. Supporting and campaigning for racial equality throughout her work, she describes herself as first and foremost, a singer. Pauline was awarded an OBE for services to Entertainment in the 2022 New Year Honours.
Pauline played a pivotal role in the Coventry 2021 City of Culture bid and was heavily involved in the celebrations in 2021 including performing in the Opening Ceremony and contributing to the 2-Tone exhibition at the Herbert Museum. She also presented the 2021 Turner Prize, one of the best-known prizes for visual arts in the world, at an award ceremony at Coventry Cathedral in December 2021.
Her documentary film of her life, ‘Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story’’ premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2024. Pauline co-wrote the film with director, Jane Mingay & was an executive producer. The film was broadcast by Sky Arts in March 2025 & in conjunction with Odeon Cinemas has shown in over 100 cinemas in the UK & international film festivals
In 2025 she was received the Coventry Award of Merit. She is the recipient of an Honorary D’Arts (Coventry University), Honorary D.Litt (Warwick University) & Honorary Fellowship of Leeds College of Music. She is also Patron of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts & Heritage in Leicester & Patron of CV Folk in Coventry.
Speaker Two: Jacynth Ivey MBE
Speaker One: Deputy Lord Lieutenant Pauline Black OBE DL
Speaker One: Deputy Lord Lieutenant Pauline Black OBE DL
Jacynth Ivey MBE is an award-winning transformational leader, coach, and author whose career spans over three decades in health and public services. Beginning her journey as a nurse, she rose, despite barriers and systemic challenges, to become the first Black Chief
Nurse in the West Midlands. In recognition of her impact, she
was awarded an MBE for services to nursing and reducing health inequalities.
Her leadership story is one of resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity. She has navigated microaggressions, broken through glass ceilings, and remained steadfast in her commitment to equity and inclusion.
Today, as an NHS Non-Executive Director and Chair of a People & Culture Committee, she continues to influence change at the highest levels, ensuring that fairness, justice, and opportunity are
more than words, they inspire action.
Jacynth’s passion lies in unlocking potential, amplifying silenced voices, and inspiring others to lead authentically. For women in uniformed services, often navigating similar challenges in male-dominated and hierarchical systems, her story is a reminder that
resilience can rewrite the narrative. Guided by the belief that deeds, not words create lasting change, she empowers others to step forward boldly and transform the spaces they serve.
(2) Jacynth Ivey MBE | LinkedIn
Speaker Three: Dr Alison Lowe OBE
Speaker Three: Dr Alison Lowe OBE
Speaker Three: Dr Alison Lowe OBE
Dr Alison Lowe OBE is the Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime in West Yorkshire. She started her role in July 2021 and was appointed by the new Metro Mayor, Tracy Brabin, because of her extensive voluntary sector, political and policing experience over a 30+ year period.
Alison worked in the Third Sector for more than 30 years, most recently as Chief Executive of Touchstone, a Mental Health Charity working across West Yorkshire. Touchstone work with and for people that are affected by mental health problems, and they specialise in working with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Alison has been involved in local government for 29 years and was a councillor with the Labour Party. Alison was also the Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, the body that scrutinises the performance of the Police and Crime Commissioner and represents the interests of all the 2.4 million people across West Yorkshire. Alison was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2003-4 and was made an Honorary Alderwoman of the city in 2020. In this role, Alison was asked to review Leeds’ statues following the BLM protests.
Alison is a Non-Executive Director with Leeds Community Health NHS Trust. Over the years, Alison has been a well- known campaigner on equal rights and chaired the Leeds Domestic Violence Forum that raises awareness of domestic violence against women and children by known men for over 25 years.
Alison Lowe holds an MA in Medieval Studies from Leeds University and a BA in History and was given an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2022. She was also awarded an OBE in the January 2022 Queen’s Honours List. Alison has 2 grown up children, Adam and Rosy and grandchildren Mae and Oscar.
Speaker Four: Abena Akuffo-Kelly
Speaker Three: Dr Alison Lowe OBE
Speaker Three: Dr Alison Lowe OBE
Abena Akuffo-Kelly is a speaker, advocate, social entrepreneur, activist, mentor, and coach. She is a leadership consultant with Leaders Plus, supporting executive parents with evidence-based strategies for career development. She also delivers leadership training and coaching for Wi-Her and the U.S. Department of Education.
As Lead Facilitator with STEM Learning, Abena trains non-specialist teachers to teach computer science and coaches schools through the Enthuse Partnership to raise aspirations and engagement in STEM. She is a trainer with the Labour Women’s Network, empowering women to find their political voice and stand as councillors or MPs.
Abena founded a community interest company focused on cohesion, sustainability, and environmental action, offering free repair services to reduce waste and support local wellbeing. She serves as a councillor at both town and district levels and is a former Mayor of Folkestone and former Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Her work spans race, gender, LGBT+ rights, mental health, neurodiversity, leadership, politics, and tech. She speaks and trains on these topics, always centring psychological safety, equity, and inclusion. Her passion lies in embedding intersectionality into every conversation, ensuring that diverse lived experiences are acknowledged and valued.
Abena’s approach blends strategic insight with emotional intelligence, making her a trusted facilitator across sectors. Whether supporting leaders, empowering communities, or shaping policy, she brings clarity, warmth, and evidence-based practice to every space she enters. Her work continues to influence local, national, and international networks committed to inclusive leadership and social impact.
Meet our facilitators
Shazney Spence -The Life Architect - Coach. Speaker. Conscious Disruptor
Shazney Spence -The Life Architect - Coach. Speaker. Conscious Disruptor
Shazney Spence -The Life Architect - Coach. Speaker. Conscious Disruptor
Shazney Spence, known as The Life Architect, is a speaker and coach who brings over 26 years of corporate experience to her mission of catalysing transformation and courageous leadership. As founder of EQuanimity Lifestyle & Success Coaching Ltd, she supports women, especially Black and Brown women to shift from survival into soul-led living, creating meaningful, sustainable change in both personal and professional spheres.
Her work spans corporate, educational, and community spaces, bridging leadership development, emotional intelligence, and holistic wellbeing. As the former Mental Health Lead at Accenture UK, Shazney guided global teams through complexity and change, designing structures for psychological safety, inclusive communication, and resilient leadership.
A skilled facilitator and speaker, she has led workshops and reflective spaces for The Samaritans, Liverpool Commonwealth Association, and The Royal College of Physicians. She translates deep inner work into practical, outcome-driven action inviting participants not only to reflect, but to move forward with purpose.
A Trustee of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association and The Big Trust, Shazney also mentors entrepreneurs through Small Business Britain, helping them build confidence, clarity, and sustainable growth.
Her philosophy is simple: when Black and Brown women heal and reclaim voice, whole communities rise. Shazney embodies action, accountability, and transformation guiding leaders to step into their power, embody equity, and create real systemic change.
Natasha Broomfield-Reid
Shazney Spence -The Life Architect - Coach. Speaker. Conscious Disruptor
Shazney Spence -The Life Architect - Coach. Speaker. Conscious Disruptor
Natasha Broomfield-Reid: Natasha is the Founder and Director of Diverse Matters, responsible for the company’s leadership, and the design and delivery of diversity and inclusion solutions across all sectors.
With over 20 years’ experience in the field, Natasha previously served as Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Victim Support, where she led the organisation to achieve recognition as a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, gain Leaders in Diversity status from the National Centre for Diversity, and win many inclusion awards. She has also held senior roles including Head of Development at Equal Approach and Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at law firm Mills & Reeve. Earlier in her career, Natasha worked in community development, setting up mentoring schemes for African Caribbean and mixed-race young people, youth work and residential social work.
Drawing on her experience and expertise, Natasha has designed and delivered diversity and inclusion programmes nationwide, covering disability, mental health, race equity, LGBT+ inclusion, and embedding inclusive practices across organisations. She is a guest speaker, facilitator, and chair, with experience leading regional and national panels within the public and voluntary sectors.
Natasha’s contributions have been widely recognised: she was named Stonewall Cymru LGBT+ Ally of the Year (2018), received a Special Mention for Inspirational Person from the National Centre for Diversity (2016), and was featured in the Women, Influence and Power in Law UK Class of 2021 for her work at Mills & Reeve.
Under her leadership, Diverse Matters was a finalist for Best Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy at the 2022 Inclusive Companies Awards. Most recently, in 2024, Natasha received the MBCC Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award and was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Women’s Awards.
Meet our Panel members
Commander Charmain Brenyah - Met Police
Brigadier Thammy Evans -Head Personnel Reserves in the Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters
Brigadier Thammy Evans -Head Personnel Reserves in the Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters
After leaving university Charmain initially took on a graduate scheme working for a bank (Royal Bank of Scotland). After five years in 2006 Charmain decided to leave and follow her passion and joined the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
Charmain’s current role is the Commander for Uniformed Operations, this includes oversight of the Specialist Firearms Command, Taskforce (Territorial Support Group, Marine Unit, Mounted Branch & Dogs) and the Roads& Policing Transport Command. This follows roles as OCU Commander of the Specialist Firearms Command and the Head of Covert Functions for Counter Terrorism (CT) Policing, overseeing a number of units that provide critical support to partners (MI5, SIS and GCHQ) and SO15 during covert deployments (both physical and online) in support of the CT mission.
Charmain has broad policing experience, having worked in a range of roles, including within all CID units investigating serious and complex crime (Domestic violence unit, robbery and burglary teams) and hostage/crisis negotiating. She has a background in Homicide and between 2012 and 2017 she worked within the Special Enquiry Team (electoral fraud and complex cases) and the Major Investigation Team where she was a Family Liaison Officer and worked within the Major Investigation Room (interviewing suspects, undertaking analysis of intelligence and maintaining a central part in a number of homicide investigations).
In 2017 to 2020 Charmain worked within Transformation and as staff officer to the Director of HR where she successfully built and maintained effective working relationships with the Commissioner’s office, MOPAC and with our outsourced partners (SSCL and Optima) to ensure effective collaboration, sharing of information and problem solving across departments. She also managed significant organisational change and maintained a central role in the high profile programme: rollout of the Direct Entry Detective scheme managing the delivery of key milestones. In 2020, Charmain was selected to support the HR project lead to design and implement the high profile MPS fast track returner’s scheme which was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in 107 new joiners returning and a new process embedded across the MPS.
For the last six years Charmain has developed the Met’s partnership with The Girls Network (external charity) leading a mentoring scheme for disadvantaged girls between the ages of 16 to 19 years old. This included a reverse mentoring partnership involving senior leaders in the MPS which is being rolled out nationally, receiving an Assistant Commissioners Commendation for her ongoing work in this area.
Brigadier Thammy Evans -Head Personnel Reserves in the Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters
Brigadier Thammy Evans -Head Personnel Reserves in the Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters
Brigadier Thammy Evans -Head Personnel Reserves in the Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters
Brigadier Thammy Evans is currently serving as Head Personnel Reserves in the Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters, after completing a year as the Army Reserve member of the Global Strategy Programme of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS).
She promoted into the General Staff in 2020 to the post of Deputy Commander 77th Brigade. Having commissioned in 1992, she transferred in 1994 to Intelligence and Security Group (Volunteers), and saw service in Bosnia (1996-97), at the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and in North Macedonia (2004-05). During Regimental Duty, she also served in Defence Intelligence, completed sub-unit command, and later served at the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB).
Thammy commanded Outreach Group 2018-2019, after serving as Security Sector Reform Advisor in No 4 Column (Security Capacity Building) of 77th Bde, and as the first Chief of Operations to Specialist Group Military Intelligence (SGMI). At Advanced Command and Staff College (Reserves) in 2013, she received the Haldane Award for top student.
In her civilian career,
Thammy is Senior Fellow at the GeoTech Centre of the Atlantic Council, and a Senior Research Associate at the Climate Change (In)Security Programme (CCIP), which is a joint programme between the Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research (CHACR) and Reuben College of Oxford University. Previously, she has worked almost 20 years in security sector governance and reform, as Political Advisor at NATO HQ Skopje, and as Deputy Head of the International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT), a department of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), when she worked extensively on defence reform, gender and security. Her career has spanned Africa, the Balkans, Asia, and the USA, starting in the private sector in qualitative market research; in public relations; and in ecological resource security and sustainability.
She is married to Victor Ullom, an international human rights and humanitarian law advisor at the UN. Together they have one daughter. A retired mountaineer and skier, she sticks now to diving, paddle boarding, chasing a deaf dog, and Tai Qi. She speaks passable French and German, deteriorating Mandarin and Croatian, a smattering of ancestral Welsh. She has published widely.
Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM - Chair The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
Brigadier Thammy Evans -Head Personnel Reserves in the Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters
Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM - Chair The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service and the membership body for all 50 UK fire and rescue services, Chief Fire Officers and senior managers.
Phil Garrigan became NFCC Chair on 1 April 2025, following a long and successful career in the fire and rescue service (FRS). He is a former Vice-Chair at NFCC and was previously NFCC’s National Lead for Children and Young People. Having joined Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in 1990, Phil progressed from the role of Firefighter to Chief Fire Officer during a career spanning 35 years. He brings a strong community focus to his role as NFCC Chair, recognising the unique position of trust and respect in which the FRS is held, and the professionalism of fire and rescue service staff in tackling the underlying factors affecting risk.
His leadership has brought the work of the fire and rescue service with regards to children and young people to the forefront of sector delivery, allowing the FRS to transform the lives of hundreds of children and young people across the UK. As Chief Fire Officer in Merseyside, Phil was a member of the Operations Coordination Committee, with Merseyside FRS overseeing National Resilience capabilities on behalf of the Home Office.
He was a National Strategic Advisor overseeing a number of national events and major incidents, including his leadership of the UK’s response to COVID-19, Merseyside’s response to the terror attacks in Liverpool and Southport as well as the international deployment of fire engines into Ukraine. In addition to his role within the fire sector, Phil is a Trustee and member of the Board at both the Hive Youth Zone, Rainbow Trust Education foundation and the Liverpool FC foundation, as well as being an Ambassador for the Cash for Kids Charity.
BT - TBC
Dr. Keely Duddin FHEA - Senior Lecturer in Policing Organisation and Practice (OU)
Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM - Chair The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
Details to be Confirmed
Dr. Keely Duddin FHEA - Senior Lecturer in Policing Organisation and Practice (OU)
Dr. Keely Duddin FHEA - Senior Lecturer in Policing Organisation and Practice (OU)
Dr. Keely Duddin FHEA - Senior Lecturer in Policing Organisation and Practice (OU)
Dr Keely Duddin is a Senior Lecturer in Policing Practice and Organisation and the Policing Stream Lead for the Centre for Protecting Women Online. A Chartered Psychologist with a PhD in Health Psychology, her research focuses on parental wellbeing and return-to-work experiences within policing and other uniformed services, including maternity journeys, baby loss, and perinatal mental health.
She also leads research on equity, wellbeing, and policing responses to violence against women and girls, including technology-facilitated abuse and online harms.
Formerly Head of Research for a UK police force and a Special Constable in a domestic violence unit, Keely continues to work closely with police organisations to translate research into practice. She is an ally committed to advancing inclusion and equity across policing and public service.