Cracks in the Glass Ceiling

Cracks in the glass ceiling

Assessing the Fabian Women’s Network’s mentoring programme

Rosie Campbell & Joni Lovenduski

SUPPORTED BY: About the Fabian Society

The Fabian Society is Britain’s oldest political thinktank. Since 1884 the society has played a central role in developing political ideas and public policy on the left. It aims to promote greater equality of power and opportunity; the value of collective public action; a vibrant, tolerant and accountable democracy; citizenship, liberty and human rights; sustainable development; and multilateral international cooperation.

Through a wide range of publications and events the society influences political and public thinking, but also provides a space for broad and open-minded debate, drawing on an unrivalled external network and its own expert research and analysis. Its programme offers a unique breadth, encompassing national conferences and expert seminars; periodicals, books, reports and digital communications; and commissioned and in-house research and comment.

The Society is alone among think tanks in being a democratically-constituted membership organisation, with almost 7,000 members. Over time our membership has included many of the key thinkers on the British left and every Labour prime minister. Today we count over 200 parliamentarians in our number. The voluntary society includes 70 local societies, the Fabian Women’s Network and the Young Fabians, which is itself the leading organisation on the left for young people to debate and influence political ideas.

The society was one of the original founders of the Labour party and is constitutionally affiliated to the party. We are however editorially, organisationally and financially independent and work with a wide range of partners from all political persuasions and none.

Fabian Society 61 Petty France London SW1H 9EU www.fabians.org.uk

First published January 2014 Report authors: Dr Rosie Campbell & Professor Joni Lovenduski Report coordinators: Christine Megson, Ivana Bartoletti, Seema Malhotra Report editor and designer: Sofie Jenkinson Cover photo: Darren Kirby under Creative Commons Licence Photos: Jon Cartwright, Rachael Loftus

This paper, like all publications of the Fabian Society, represents not the collective views of the Society but only the views of the authors. This publication may not be reproduced without express permission of the Fabian Society and Birkbeck University of London.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 2 About the Fabian women’s network

The Fabian Women’s Network was founded in 2005 is a network of over 2000 women, working to support and encourage women’s engagement in policy and politics. We take a lead in promoting policy that has the needs of women at its heart. We bring women from across the country from all backgrounds, from politics, industry, education and the media. We hold events on a range of subjects as well as regular receptions attracting up to 300 women. Our events are attended by movers and shakers from all sectors. We offer our members a unique opportunity to build networks and share ideas, skills and opportunities. In addition to our annual receptions we hold monthly informal networking drinks in central London. There are plans to extend these to other parts of the country.

Fabiana was established in 2011 on a new wave of British feminism and the magazine is now leading cutting edge debates on how to equip the UK for growth, reform our economy and the state, and how to encourage more women in science.

@FabianWomen facebook.com/FabianWomen [email protected]

President of the Fabian Women’s Network: Seema Malhotra MP

Committee members Shamshia Ali Ivana Bartoletti (Chair) Ellie Cumbo Louisa Douma Susie Gilbert Farah Hussain Sarah Hutchinson Sara Hyde Paulina Jakubec Sofie Jenkinson Claire Leigh Christine Megson Abena Oppong-Asare Reema Patel Felicity Slater Shama Tatler

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 3 About the mentoring programme organisers

Seema Malhotra MP was co-founder and director of the Fabian Women’s Network until November 2013. She is now FWN President and a member of the Fabian Society executive. Seema was elected Labour and Co-operative MP for Feltham and Heston in December 2011. In October 2013 she was promoted to the opposition whips office after serving for a year as parliamentary private secretary to Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, shadow minister for women and equalities, as well as being a member of the Justice Select Committee. She speaks and writes regularly in the national media on gender, local regional and national political issues.

Christine Megson is a long-standing member of the Fabian Society and created the mentoring programme with Seema. Her substantive career was in education including principal of Stafford College. She has worked as a consultant across all government delivery departments, including the Cabinet Office specialising in new policy delivery and designing models for integrated public services. She has worked in NGOs, a Hospital Trust and start up charities including the School Food Trust, the Innovation Unit and Apnee Sehat as an adviser, non-executive director and volunteer.

Caroline Adams has worked for the Labour Party for 18 years: nine of them for Tony Blair including seven at No.10 Downing Street. She is currently the assistant parliamentary Labour party secretary inside parliament, and works closely with the women’s PLP and the women and equalities shadow team. She is a trainer with the Labour Women’s Network. She has worked with women in Tunisia through Woman For Democracy, to increase women’s participation in the democratic processes and to ensure their voices are heard within political parties.

Mentoring Scheme Advisory Group members Meg Munn MP (Chair) Seema Malhotra MP Kate Green MP (shadow minister of state for work and pensions) Fiona Mactaggart MP (Chair, Women’s parliamentary Labour party) Roberta Blackman Woods MP Christine Megson Ivana Bartoletti (Year 2) Nan Sloane (Labour Women’s Network) Barbara Keeley MP Dr Caroline Whalley Julie Fitzgerald

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 4 About the authors

Professor Joni Lovenduski is anniversary professor of politics at Birkbeck College, University of London. She is a fellow of the British Academy and an academician of the Academy of Social Sciences. She has acted as consultant on gender and politics for UNECE, the European Commission and the Council of Europe She directed the European Commission funded investigation of the state of the art of research on gender and politics in Europe in 1996 and 1997. She is European convener of the European Science Foundation funded Research Network on Gender and the State. In 2009 she won the Gender and Politics Award of the ECPR standing group on gender and politics.

Dr Rosie Campbell joined Birkbeck in 2003 and is a senior lecturer in politics. She has research interests in voting behaviour, political participation, representation, political careers and gender and politics. Rosie is as a member of the Political Studies Association’s (PSA) Executive Committee. She teaches modern British politics and research methods. Her book Gender and the Vote in Britain was published in 2006 and she has recently published in the British Journal of Political Science, British Politics, Political Quarterly and she has articles forthcoming in Political Studies and the BJPIR.

Dr Rosie Campbell and Prof Joni Lovenduski have written a report on Gender and Political Participation for the UK Electoral Commission.

About UNISON

UNISON is the UK’s leading trade union, with 1.4 million members delivering public services. The ‘Million Voices for Public Services’ campaign is about putting people before profit, and putting public services at the heart of our strategy for building a stronger economy and a fairer society.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 5 CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 6 Contents

PHOTO: Jon Cartwright

Executive Summary 8

Foreword 9

1 Introduction 11

2 The mentoring programme 14

3 The political skills framework 18

4 Evidence 19

5 The focus groups 24

6 Interviews with mentors 35

7 Learning from the first intake 36

8 SWOT analysis 37

9 Conclusions and recommendations 39

10 Reflections from the organisers 40

11 Recommendations for improvement 44

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Fabian Women’s Network’s mentoring and political education programme (launched in 2011) is an exemplar of best practice in the training and recruitment of women for public and political life. The participants’ overwhelmingly positive feedback, described in this report, is testament to this.

The scheme combines a 10-month-long mentoring scheme with a political education programme, comprising of a series of linked training events, that encourage the development of a peer network alongside the one-on-one mentoring relationship. The programme is run by experienced leaders (Christine Megson, Caroline Adams and Seema Malhotra MP, particularly in year one prior to her election) and receives support from high ranking politicians.

These factors are crucial to its success. We make a number of recommendations that the organisers may wish to follow to enable the scheme to continue to develop and grow.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 8 FOREWORD

Seema Malhotra MP Founder and former director, Fabian Women’s Network

would like to start by thanking who packed out the basement at the Dr Rosie Campbell and Dr Joni Labour party HQ, and that the idea ILovenduski for producing this was going to last. report and for their support and The learning from the early years encouragement since the Fabian of the FWN, about political networks Women Network (FWN) political and women’s engagement was vital education programme and mentoring in designing a programme with scheme was launched in 2011. the flexibility needed and support The programme was conceived at structures for women who would be a FWN Summer Reception in 2008, as a range of ages and from a range of a result of a conversation between a backgrounds. Women’s lives change new Fabian student (Felicity Slater), much more than men’s, which tend a longstanding Fabian member and to follow a more linear pattern. friend (Christine Megson) and myself. Keeping any programme sustainable The concept was born, and led to two would require flexibility and strong years of discussion and development, relationship building. about how such a scheme could be The ‘political skills framework‘ tied to the overall strategic goals of was developed in response to early the FWN. discussions about how to give the We founded the FWN in 2005 after a mentoring scheme purpose. Christine conversation on the Fabian Executive and I had both had experience in about the shortage of women on setting up or being mentors on public Fabian panels, in the magazine and life or voluntary sector programmes. on our committees. We undertook Most mentoring schemes are geared to internal research and found that we moving people forward on a pathway had no less than 70 Fabian Women e.g. to a more senior job. We needed parliamentarians, 15 Fabian Women a structure to define a pathway or ministers and six Fabian Women journey, and something that would members of the cabinet. The problem also give us a way of measuring wasn’t the number of women. It was the impact of a scheme on skills or the way the Society organised to confidence. The first draft of the harness their talent and invite their framework was a mapping of my own participation. At the launch event, it 20 years of development and growth was quite astounding that the idea in political life from when I joined of such a network had struck a chord the Labour party while still at school, with the senior politicians, Fabian with insights from my professional members, journalists and others development in the private sector and

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 9 what had been useful in politics too. and remain hopeful that in the course The draft framework was tested with of time, the balance between London a range of groups and women across and the regions will shift. the party and outside. I would like to The recommendations of the authors pay particular thanks to Meg Munn of this report have given genuine food MP, a long time mentor of my own for thought about our strengths and who gave early and as always deeply weaknesses. In particular the regional valuable advice and became chair challenge is one we continue to grapple of the advisory group for the new with, in partnership with the wider programme. Fabian Society about its membership One final experience which made base. One of the key insights in the a big difference to the design of the design of the programme was the programme and concept of using complementary range of skills to move political spaces was my experience forward on public bodies as well as in working in parliament in Harriet political life. Different forms of public Harman MP’s office whilst she was life have much in common. This area leader of the opposition. The experience of input has been stronger in years two of working at the top of the party and in and three than year one, but there is the most senior office in parliament (as considerable potential for more. someone once said, Whitehall is set up to The programme has also been of serve the government; parliament is set interest to other women’s political up to hold the government to account networks. Members of the team and the leader of the opposition is the have shared insights with the Inter- most senior office) gave insights that Parliamentary Union and other were invaluable in the development groups and the story continues to of our parliamentary and political evolve. The relationship with the interventions. I knew from my own Labour Women’s Network, which experience that being in the spaces and runs outstanding training for women places of power changes your sense seeking selection, has also been vital of relationship and belonging in those and I would particularly like to thank places, and your sense of connection Barbara Follett and Nan Sloane for all to the activity that takes place, i.e. their support. Also Christine Megson political debate and decisions. To be and Caroline Adams who took over able to extend and share that could so much more of the running of the have tremendous potential. programme following my by-election The programme was also started and who themselves have amazing with a 10 year plan to grow the FWN stories to tell. Finally to thank the across the regions. We aspired to see staff over the years (particularly a network of alumni that would stay Giles Wright and Phil Mutero) and connected with each other and lead executive of the Fabian Society for all their own initiatives for change, and the support and helping the Fabian use their relationships to grow the Society be an amazing and inspiring FWN as local leaders closer to home. ‘incubator’ not just for the FWN, but We have been absolutely delighted our political education and mentoring and quite overwhelmed by the self programme too. starting nature of the intakes so far,

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 10 INTRODUCTION

his report is an evaluation of roles. The mechanism for doing the first two years of the Fabian this is a well-structured mentoring TWomen’s Network mentoring programme that brings aspirant programme. The methodology used women candidates into contact with includes feedback from participants established politicians and public from a self evaluation questionnaire figures who act as mentors. The before and after the 10-month mentees were chosen from applicants programme, a focus group with who could already demonstrate a the outgoing mentees as part of the commitment to political participation closing day, and semi-structured and who wanted to raise their interviews with the organisers. In this game. Four important special evaluation we consider the first two features of the programme are: intakes of the programme (2011/12 and 2012/13). 1. the pairing of mentors and mentees in one-to-one relationships Purpose of Programme 2. training in party and The programme is an initiative parliamentary politics of the Fabian Women’s Network, and policymaking using a an organisation of and for Fabian thoughtfully constructed Society women. There are over purpose designed political skills 2,000 women members of the Fabian framework; Society and many of those will be part of other networks. As one of 3. the use of actual political spaces the organisers, Christine Megson for events, giving mentees access told us: “The Fabian Women’s to and experience of the sites in network offers immediate access to which politics takes place, over 2,000 women and advertising 4. the use of comprehensive self- the programme on the website and monitoring and evaluation to through the newsletter proved highly provide real feedback that can be effective.” used to make improvements. The programme was designed to enable women to participate in politics and public life as politicians and in public appointments. It Structure of Programme focuses on the ‘supply side’ of political recruitment aiming to The programme includes careful build the capacity and confidence of processes of recruitment of both women seeking to perform public mentors and mentees, and consists

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 11 of a political education programme In 2012 51 applications were plus meetings between mentors and received from prospective mentees, mentees. The political education of which 23 were offered mentors programme is designed to provide and all 23 completed the programme. training based on the political Three mentors were changed during skills framework - see below - and the programme, one because she had to encourage networking among taken on new responsibilities and participants and between participants two because they wanted to support and party activists and leaders. mentees who aspired to be MPs, which they felt would be a better match to their own experience. Recruitment The organisers received 85 applications for the 2013/14 programme. In 2011 26 MPs, peers and The mentees were drawn from representatives of public bodies various age groups and were region- (including two men) and 39 mentees ally and ethnically diverse. Mentees applied to participate in the scheme. were encouraged to network with 22 mentees and 22 mentors joined each other and opportunities were the programme. Two mentees left, created for networking in the pro- and one new mentee was recruited. gramme design - a process that Three mentors were changed during transforms them from individual the programme. participants into a ‘peer’ group.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 12 Diversity Data

Successful Applicants to the Fabian Women’s Mentoring Scheme 2013/14

Age

Under 20 20-30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ 0% 48% 33% 15% 4% 0%

Ethnicity White Mixed Asian Black Chinese Other 63% 7% 22% 4% 0% 4%

Disability Disability 11%

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 13 The mentoring programme Political education programme Christine Megson (organisers) and various ‘tasters’ or introductory talks ach event includes formal on how politics works in practice at and informal opportunities Westminster and beyond. Efor networking and contact Members of the advisory group with established party politicians, also ran sessions at the induction, an important element in making the particularly Meg Munn MP, Kate participants feel that the programme Green MP and Fiona Mactaggart and they are valued. The key elements MP. (It might be useful to note that of the year’s curriculum are the all were experienced in supporting induction, parliament day, Brussels women coming forward in political day, the residential weekend, and the and public life roles. Meg Munn and closing event. A day at the Labour Fiona Mactaggart had also both been party headquarters, focusing on the women’s ministers in government party more than parliament, was and had been prominent figures introduced in year two. in Labour party and cross-party campaigns for more women in parliament). Mentees were asked to Induction complete an initial self- evaluation questionnaire, which was repeated at The induction is held at Westminster. the end of the programme. A separate In 2011 this afternoon event which briefing for mentors also took place. took place in the shadow cabinet room Meetings between mentees and in parliament included a welcome mentors were organised between the by Ed Miliband, an introduction to parties directly. the scheme by Seema Malhotra and Networking was encouraged

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 14 between mentors and mentees on the members’ bill was structured to last day, when most would be meeting through the day as a team activity, The mentoring for the first time. Mentors and with feedback in a ‘Dragon’s Den’- mentees were given packs including style session at the end of the day. a guide for how to understand the programme mentor/mentee relationship and how to prepare for meetings. Brussels In 2012 the introduction was led again by Seema Malhotra MP and Expanding understanding of the Christine Megson with presentations political world beyond Westminster by Meg Munn MP, Andrew Harrop gave rise to the Brussels day, (General Secretary of the Fabian which was designed in partnership Society), Marcus Roberts (Deputy with the European Parliamentary General Secretary of the Fabian Labour party. Three women Labour Society), Nan Sloane (Labour MEPs ‘sponsored’ the programme Women’s Network) and Kate Green members on their trip to Brussels MP, now also shadow minister of which enabled group members to state for work and pensions. learn about the realities and extent The Fabian Society input was of EU politics via a series of talks. important with one of the key goals The trip was extended in the second of the programme being to increase year of the programme to include an engagement of women members overnight stay. with the mainstream activities and outputs of the Society. Barnsley Parliament day A residential training weekend at Northern College with speakers and This day-long event was designed activities focusing on the personal to offer a practical experience in a skills elements of the political skills parliamentary activity as well as a framework. The weekend started general talk and tour. The principle of with a debate according to House of ‘learning by doing’ and through this Commons rules, with role playing accelerating learning and familiarity and briefings sent in advance to help with parliament was important. The with speech preparation. Informal day included talks by leading MPs settings e.g. ‘the fireside chat’ allowed representing different functions in for a greater depth of reflection and the Labour party in parliament (for sharing of personal stories of the example, opposition chief whip), group, and the organisers. Speakers observation of debates in both Houses included senior politicians including and in Committee and a special three local Labour MPs: Dan Jarvis session on private members’ bills as Angela Smith and Meg Munn, as well well as a tour of the buildings. The as the local MEP, Linda McAvan. group exercise in preparing a private

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 15 PHOTO: JC

Evaluation cohort two. Three members of cohort two are actively seeking selection to Evaluation data was gathered be parliamentary candidates in 2015 through questionnaires at beginning and others have been appointed to and end of the programme and a national public boards as trustees. focus group at the end. Clearly the programme is attracting During the 2011/12 programme one and supporting high calibre women mentee was selected as a candidate with real potential to contribute to for parliament (Suzy Stride, Harlow), public and political life. and one of the organisers (Seema Malhotra) was elected to parliament as MP for Feltham and Heston, one Analysis member was elected as a councillor for Mossley and Stalybridge (Eleanor The structure of the programme is Shember-Critchley), and others have admirable, combining flexibility as been appointed to national public the scheme develops with a well- boards as trustees. The mentees structured and varied series of who were seeking election/selection events. Particularly impressive is drew on the group for help with the use of real political space and their campaigns, providing real the participation of established experience of campaign politics and politicians. powerful examples of the potential The flexibility of the scheme is also for success. a strength, as the programme evolves In 2013 Ivana Bartoletti (from in relation to the expressed needs cohort one) was shortlisted as an and interests of the participants. This MEP for London and her campaign flexibility is probably costly in terms coordinator was a mentee from of the time of organisers. However,

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 16 this is a function of the programme programme organisers have used being relatively new - as the first volunteers to organise a fundraising few intakes are accommodated, a dinner and they have also received store of knowledge and information generous donations (which more will be built up that will reduce this than cover the costs for the third year time cost. This is evidenced in the of the programme). 2012/13 programme where it is clear The organisers are making full that the organisers had adapted the use of the recent graduates from the programme from the previous year, programme and have had the help retaining strengths and developing of a former mentee in recruitment the already excellent networking and a number of the events are now and confidence building activities organised by former mentees. still further. In the long term, finance is a potential weakness; although flexibility and the use of existing Finance and Resources resources make continuing the programme feasible. The scheme is The first intake of the scheme not costly but depends on good will, depended on private donations of time freely given. We recommend £5,100, the cooperation of several that a budget is prepared to be used women MEPs, the resources of FWN as a basis to secure long term funding. and some subsidy by the organisers, The view of the evaluators is that who also gave freely of their time. there should be state funding for Mentees spent a minimum of six such programmes, perhaps managed days on the programme events and by the electoral commission which mentors gave their time in response could run a scheme to which parties to mentees, a commitment that and party groups could apply. Some appears to have varied by each pair. mentees received financial assistance In order to begin to develop a for their transportation expenses. sustainable funding stream the PHOTO: JC

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 17 the political skills framework

he content of events is drawn from the political skills It is envisaged framework reflected in the diagram below and delivered that much of this via seminars, tasks, group work, role playing and will be delivered T through weekend informal conversation. schools, seminars, The content derived from the skills framework places online materials a valuable emphasis on the real world of politics and what with individual politicians actually do, something that is much less apparent to development supported through outsiders, even including party activists than most politicians the mentoring realise. Were the scheme to develop its public bodies stream, programme. As a similar kind of programme should be developed including much as possible to be with partner training in how to prepare for and be effective in meetings. organisations eg HOW THE LABOURLWN, Progress etc PARTY WORKS MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

• How the lobby • Local party /media works structures • Pitching • NEC and NPF stories to media • Writing a motion outlets • Unions, socialist • Blogging & societies, sister parties tweeting abroad PUBLIC OR POLITICAL OFFICE • Intro to • Being on Labour history, radio/TV political philosophy • Understanding & economy CORE SKILLS and applying for • Intro to Labour policy • Debating public boards • “Think tank” - new • Public speaking • Running for ideas • Presentation skills selection • Making law & • Leadership, • Giving a speech policy: how power & • Designing selection parliament, authority leaflets/CVs assemblies & • Becoming a local council work candidate • Effective • Being a Local Labour campaign opposition • representative strategy POLITICAL AND POLICY UNDERSTANDING • Managing volunteers and interns • Street stalls • Designing campaign leaflets • Organising an event

ORGANISING & CAMPAIGNING CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 18 evidence

The pre-post questionnaires • Among the 2011/12 intake there were on average two- 14 of the cohort of 22 cohort one point increases in self-ratings mentees (64%) and 100% of the of: knowledge of the selection 23 cohort two mentees completed processes for national election both pre and post-programme candidates and members of questionnaires, only responses from local and national public boards, participants who completed both feeling able to explain to a new were included in the data analysis. member how the Labour party Attrition will almost certainly push works at constituency and the feedback scores up, as those who national level and knowing did not complete the final survey people on public boards or had more often dropped out of the political life who participants felt programme. However, an element of natural fall off is inevitable in a they could approach personally programme like this, requiring a for information or advice. commitment ten months- alongside • The most sizeable increases in work and family life - and by the political skills self-ratings excluding the non-completers we among the 2012/13 intake were are able to make an assessment of in understanding the selection the benefit derived from attending the full programme. process to be a parliamentary Participants were asked to rate candidate and appointments for their own skills on a scale from one local or national boards, feeling (strongly disagree) to six (strongly that they have a strong regional agree) for a list of 17 statements and national network, believing derived from the political skills that constituency Labour parties framework. and local Fabian branches would be interested in asking them to speak and feeling that they Key findings know people in public and/ or political life who they can • On every item participants’ approach personally for advice. self-ratings improved between the pre and post surveys. The most sizeable effects were spread across the political skills framework.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 19 Average pre-survey and post-survey scores

Political and policy Knowledge of how the understanding Labour party works

“I know how parliament “I have a good under- works” standing of Labour history, Labour policy 2011/12 and political economy” Pre-survey average = 4 2011/12 Post-survey average = 5 Pre-survey average = 3 2012/13 Post-survey average = 4 Pre-survey average = 4 Post-survey average = 5 2012/13 Pre-survey average = 3 “I understand the roles Post-survey average = 4 and responsibilities of the boards of public “I could explain to a new bodies” member how the Labour party works at con- 2011/12 stituency and national Pre-survey average = 3 level” Post-survey average = 4 2011/12 2012/13 Pre-survey average = 2 Pre-survey average = 3 Post-survey average = 4 Post-survey average = 4 2012/13 Pre-survey average = 3 Post-survey average = 4

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 20

Media and communications 2011/12 Pre-survey average = 2 “Journalists and Post-survey average = 4 politicians are interested in my opinion 2012/13 “ Pre-survey average = 3 Post-survey average = 5 2011/12 Pre-survey average = 3 Post-survey average = 4 “I understand the process of running for 2012/13 appointment to a local Pre-survey average = 3 or national public Post-survey average = 3 board”

“If a radio station 2011/12 called me today I would Pre-survey average = 2 feel confident taking Post-survey average = 4 part in a live political debate tomorrow” 2011/12 Pre-survey average = 2 2011/12 Post-survey average = 4 Pre-survey average = 3 “ I u n d e r s t a n d Post-survey average = 4 what it takes to be a good effective 2012/13 representative” Pre-survey average = 3 Post-survey average = 4 2011/12 Pre-survey average = 4 Going for public or political Post-survey average = 5 office 2012/13 “I understand the Pre-survey average = 4 process of running Post-survey average = 5 for selection to be a national election candidate “ CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 21 Organising and campaigning 2012/13 Pre-survey average = 3 “Local Fabian societies Post-survey average = 5 and CLPs are interested in inviting me to speak Core skills at their meetings” “Other people see me as a 2011/12 leader” Pre-survey average = 2 Post-survey average = 3 2011/12 Pre-survey average = 5 2012/13 Post-survey average = 5 Pre-survey average = 1 Post-survey average = 3 2012/13 Pre-survey average = 4 “I have a strong Post-survey average = 4 regional and national political network” “I would feel confident to be a leading speaker 2011/12 in a debate” Pre-survey average = 3 Post-survey average = 4 2011/12 Pre-survey average = 3 2012/13 Post-survey average = 4 Pre-survey average = 3 Post-survey average = 4 2012/13 “I know people on public Pre-survey average = 3 boards or political life Post-survey average = 4 who I feel I can approach personally for infor- “I am a confident speech- mation or advice” writer” 2011/12 2011/12 Pre-survey average = 4 Pre-survey average = 2 Post-survey average = 4 Post-survey average = 5

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 22 2012/1 When the responses to all of the items are added together to create Pre-survey average = 3 a political skills scale the average Post-survey average = 4 score among the 2011/12 cohort was 54 in the pre-scheme survey “When I give a speech, I and 74 in the post-scheme survey am persuasive” and among the 2012/13 cohort the average in the pre scheme survey was 52 and 73 in the post 2011/12 scheme survey (out of a possible Pre-survey average = 4 102). Overall, the average shift in Post-survey average = 5 self-rated political skills across the first year or the programme was 20 percentage points and 21 2012/13 percentage points in year two, Pre-survey average = 4 statistically significant differ- Post-survey average = 4 ences in both intakes.

“I am confident in my ability to build relationships with senior party officers and politicians.”

2011/12 Pre-survey average = 4 Post-survey average = 5

2012/13 Pre-survey average = 4 Post-survey average =5

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 23 THE FOCUS GROUPS

Cohort one “People don’t acknowledge discrimination in the workplace he cohort one focus group was held on the 20th March anymore, [it’s] important to T2012 and attended by 15 have women only spaces where mentees. The session was held in the the issues can be raised. As long shadow cabinet room of the Houses as there is underrepresentation of Parliament. The group was also of women then positive action attended by the organisers and a small number of mentors. The focus is required to fill this gap.” group was preceded by a half-hour Participant interview with the organisers and the group itself ran for 90 minutes. An important feature of The participants were this developing political overwhelming positive about the confidence was the willingness scheme and the impact it had had on to express political ambition. their personal development. Several interrelating themes emerged during the session. “I’m much more open about The group repeatedly returned to the issue of confidence and self- my ambitions with my belief and its particular relevance friends and family- before to political and public life. There it’s just so embarrassing and was general agreement that women now I will tell anybody.” might be at a disadvantage in this Participant regard and that they might be less likely to assert themselves in male dominated political settings. “[Now I] talk openly to other people ‘I’ve got this ambition’- “Politics is very male dominated we can talk about each other’s - being able to speak up. [Having ambitions. Realising what’s a women only space is] very possible. In the application I said important – sometimes you feel I’d like to be a councillor because you can call on each other, support to say I wanted to be an MP each other.” Participant was ridiculous and could never happen but now it seems possible/

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 24 achievable.” Participant Several participants raised the “[My role as a] governor of a improvement in their public school role developed through speaking skills as increasing their confidence. One of the organisers doing this. I feel much more described watching as a fear of public confident about building my role speaking among some participants in that position.” Participant was transformed into a passion for debate: Another significant theme raised by the mentees and the organisers was “Will you give way? ‘No!’, [We] the important role played by high watched them grow- interrupting profile politicians in supporting the programme. This manifested itself each other- pushed and stretched in several ways. It was striking how by each other.” Organiser many participants referred to the first session (also held in the shadow In fact the development of a peer cabinet room) and how being in network was repeatedly mentioned that place made the possibility of a as one of the most significant political life appear more real. The contributions of the scheme to the use of this room, and other Palace participants’ political development. of Westminster resources was dependent on the good will of the “Men do it already every day. MPs and administrators involved. Men have a sense of entitlement- Participants also mentioned the tour the sense that anything is possible, around Westminster and the Brussels trip as examples of how being present you get from this sort of solidarity. in political institutions helped This experience has made me them to foster a sense of belonging, more of a feminist than before. perhaps even as sense of entitlement Working together to create a sense as a citizen to feel at home in the state’s political institutions. of entitlement.” Participant “We needed an expert “[It’s not] just about the administrator for the day in relationship with the mentor but parliament and the launch with the people around the table.” couldn’t have been achieved Participant without someone from the inside. The same thing [is true] today, Several participants reported that they felt that their performance without someone from the inside at work and in voluntary roles couldn’t be here.” Organiser had improved as a result of the programme.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 25 having ministers giving us their “The fact that we can sit in expertise and time, sharing the shadow cabinet room and their experiences and having think ‘one day I could do this’” informal conversations with us.” Participant Participant

The results of this study strongly Although the mentees were suggest that access to politically disproportionately drawn from the significant spaces is key to the London area those who had come implementation of a successful from elsewhere felt that they had political mentoring and training particularly benefited from the programme. These functions cannot experience: be readily outsourced to outside training providers and they do more “Being outside of London it can be than enhance the experience. The hard seeing events going on, but I participants were very clear that inhabiting real political spaces was can’t always come down to them. necessary in order to make the leap The inclusivity of the scheme is of imagination required to view important.” Participant themselves as potential politicians. The involvement of high profile politicians in the training events was “[The scheme] has given me a crucial, it stimulated the participants good selection of women I can and encouraged them to think of contact, especially as so many of themselves as future politicians. the women around the table are from London and I’m from the “Meeting these women who Midlands I can draw upon them.” were already successful made me Participant realise I just needed to get on and do it. A real shift in terms of how The mentor/mentee relationships I was approaching everything.” were allowed to develop without Participant much interference from the organisers. There was an expectation that mentors would have a meeting or “Ed Miliband came and spoke to telephone conversation with mentees us and said: ‘Be cracks in the glass at least once a month. This arrange- ceiling.’.” Participant ment suited most participants who used their meetings with mentors for a variety of purposes from develop- “Westminster and Brussels ing their CVs to discussing how to [trips were a] fantastic chance combine political life with a young to experience, sitting here and family.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 26 had not broken down but it had “Politics can be so intimidating never been properly realised. The it’s really useful to have someone mentee said that she had felt overly deferential toward her mentor and you can be honest with.” had not wanted to pester a busy Participant and important politician. One of the mentors mentioned that the mentee’s There was a criticism that the failure to pester might have been mentees were disproportionately interpreted as disinterest or a lack drawn from those currently living of drive. The organisers felt that the in the London area. The organisers expectations could be made clearer explained that they did not advertise in future and that better relationships the programme too widely beyond would be made with office staff to the Fabian networks as they were monitor progress. fearful that they might receive too It was suggested that some more many applications to deal with formal media training might have effectively in the first (effectively been useful. pilot) year. This issue might be also be a reflection of Fabian Society “Media training it might have membership tending to be stronger been too much to cover this too, in London/the south-east. There were several comments but it might have been useful.” from participants suggesting that Participant although they felt better equipped to go for political office they were less aware of the opportunities available in public life.

“Not everyone wants to be an MP” Participant

“I feel much better informed about parliamentary and Brussels political life, but less so about public bodies”. Participant

The quality of the mentee/mentor relationship was variable. One mentee did not have a single meeting with her mentor (despite this she felt that she had benefited from the group activities). The relationship PHOTO:JC

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 27 PHOTOS PHOTO:Rachael Loftus PHOTO:RL

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 28 and positive impact on their lives, transforming their goals and leading them to make positive changes. Cohort two The focus group was held on the 26th of February 2013 in a Westminster “I went from working in Hall committee room, there were 16 commercial management and mentees present. Several participants retail to be a community organiser mentioned having been more active in the Labour movement so it’s had in the past and the programme quite a big impact.” Participant offered a formal and structured way to engage or reengage. “I now feel equipped to make “I had been very active in politics something that’s achievable...I’ve until about 10 years ago when my made huge progress in terms of son was born and then I didn’t understanding the pieces that fit really participate to the same together to either pursue being extent until a couple of years ago an MP or a councillor or a school I went through a very bruising governor. Having the knowledge selection process, in which I was to make those decisions.” unsuccessful, and it did make me Participant think that I really wanted to be active in front-line politics but It was clear that many of the women I needed to be more structured found participating on the scheme personally empowering and they about it.” Participant described a change in their self- confidence and willingness to be “I think I was an observer for pro-active. a long time. So I had observed what was happening in politics. “I think it’s engendered from the I hadn’t really been seen how I attitude we’ve all been encouraged might get into participating in to have from the very start of some way, shape or form and the the process, from Christine and mentoring programme offered that Caroline of when someone has opportunity, providing a window, done something good, ‘well get up as it were, into a new world.” and say something then because Participant I’m not going to say it for you.” Participant Several of the mentees described the programme as having a dramatic

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 29 “I can hear you [Christine] in the but even then we had these 100s back of my head sometimes saying: of names to ring and everyone ‘Do it!’”] Participant was volunteering who could do “I feel very passionate about what and every minute of my day women’s representation and I was accounted for apart from my think that the journey that I’ve breaks and lunch time and I still taken with this scheme is that I said give me 20 names and I’ll do now feel much more personally that when I can on my way from responsible for that representation. a session to another session.” So the onus is on me. I can sit in Participant an armchair and rant about the fact that we’ve not got enough “We had three days and we covered women in every part of our the entire phone list between society but unless I do something all of these people we managed about it it’s not going to happen. to ring up every single party I’m re-evaluating how I spend member in Middlesbrough. We my time and the commitments I had hustings speeches written, we make in terms of family and work had all sorts of volunteer offers of life balance I think maybe I’ll be support. Christine was absolutely looking at things differently, than fantastic in terms of motivating to how I was before.” and encouraging us. It was just Participant fantastic.” Participant

It was apparent that the group had “I have changed my conception formed a cohort and were working of what’s possible and what’s together well; developing this network of political active women is available to me through this pro- one of the major achievements of the gramme.” Participant programme. The participants stressed the value “What really sticks in my mind of the network they had formed with is when XXX decided to stand for each other and the experiences and skills they have to share as a group. election in XXX she was halfway through the process and then we “I know a couple of us have been got all of these emails and XXX looking at local government said right I’m campaign manager selections; we sent out an email I’m going with you and I was on and the response we’ve had from a residential training weekend

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 30 other mentees who have been in that this is something that is councillors or stood for councillor actually quite alien to you. Two elections has been fantastic and or three weeks ago I wanted to go the information they’ve shared has to a committee room debate I just been invaluable.” Participant knew it was on and I turned up here I said I wanted to get into a “I remember sitting here 9/10 committee room debate and I just months ago and being totally walked into the committee room overwhelmed, being amazed by and that is absolutely not what the experience that collectively I would have done a year ago.” we’ve got and that we can share Participant that. For me that’s been the most valuable part of the programme.” “The idea of a group of women Participant sitting in the shadow cabinet room and have the Chief Whip tell you One of the mentees mentioned that what she does is something that is it would have been helpful to know pretty cool.” Participant more about each other earlier on in the programme. Echoing the feedback from the The mentees were overwhelmingly first focus group several participants positive about the political education mentioned how useful it had been to programme, again it was clear that have some activities run from within access to high profile political actors political institutions. was key.

“I think is a really foreign “All the sessions in Barnsley were imposing building. Depending on so useful. I don’t think I’ve ever what your background is. But now been on another training course I feel I can just come in and sit in where it’s two days where I found the lobby and wait for someone, everything useful. It was amazing whereas a year ago I didn’t feel that there were so many MPs who like that at all.” Participant came along and gave us their time and hangout with us around the “One of the things I totally agree fire.” Participant with XXX about is feeling that Again the nature of the mentoring you have some sort of right to be relationship varied by pair; several here, when you have the feeling mentees stressed how much they had that you are on the outside looking

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 31 benefited from their mentor’s input. Several mentees who were not aiming to stand for parliament were “My mentor sat down with me concerned about being paired with ...,who’s in the shadow cabinet an MP. sat down with me for over an “The other thing was she never hour and went through my CV said it but I wondered if she was and took it apart and put it back disappointed that I didn’t come together and practised the inter- and say that I definitely wanted view- to get that level of stuff from to be an MP, how can you help somebody so senior was amazing.” me?” Participant Participant

Others reported some difficulties “I didn’t have a really clear idea scheduling meetings: of what I wanted to bring to the meeting without saying I’m “I have found that it’s been very running for selection. I felt we difficult to get the appointments were perhaps both wasting each just because they are so busy. other’s time a bit. Well hers more She’s been very willing but she’s than mine.” Participant occasionally cancelled and then it’s been much more difficult to It was also clear that the mentoring relationship was often useful for get a date in the diary. So I guess wider networking opportunities. that is just something that people need to be aware of on the pro- “One of the things I thought was gramme. It’s just difficult to find really useful, she’s really good at the time with these sorts of people recognising the limits of when she because they are so important and can help me and made introduc- busy.” tions to others who she felt would Participant be more useful and that’s been great.” Participant “I had a similar experience with my MP in that it was many The majority of the mentees were pleased with the mentoring relation- months before we had a proper ship. meeting, then it was 15 minutes in a hotel bar it was just very “[We met] probably 6 times. I met hurried.” Participant her over lunch for an hour, an hour and a half. Not just providing me

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 32 with support but having a wider discussion about her career, her experiences, the challenges she’s faced in her career.” Participant PHOTO:RL PHOTO:RL

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 33 PHOTO: JC PHOTO: JC

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 34 interviews with mentors

Two interviews were conducted “Yes, I do. I think I put it down to with mentors, one by telephone and the general support and confidence the other by email exchange. The mentors were as full of praise for building that comes with the whole the programme as the mentees had mentoring programme.” Mentor been. The comments of one mentor [when asked whether her mentee touched on the need for mentees has made significant progress to be proactive in initiating and towards her goals] maintaining contact with the mentor. Both mentors reported discussing “She kept in contact even if career tactics with their mentees. she didn’t hear back from me immediately she kept in contact [We discussed] “tactics in her and that meant that eventually career, timings, next steps, I would catch up with it and achievable aims.....also discussed get back to her and the fact that her own family and work she did that especially at the circumstances and how these were beginning was just fantastic.” relevant to what she had time to Mentor do, and wanted to do.” Mentor

The mentor interviews confirmed the focus group evidence that confidence building was one of the key achievements of the programme.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 35 learning from the first intake

he overarching structure of the some concern in the focus group programme remains intact, that the programme was too London Tthe skills framework and centric and this was repeated in one the training days were repeated in evaluation form in year two. 2012/13 and were equally successful. However there is evidence that the “I understand there is already talk organisers have used feedback from of developing the FWN mentoring the first intake to inform the second scheme into the regions and I year of the programme and it is clear would be extremely happy to help that innovations are in the pipeline with this. I struggled to take full for the third year. advantage of the FWN network One of the core strengths of the as much as I would have liked, programme, clearly evident in year due to my geographical location and I am keen to improve this one, was the peer support provided for next year’s participants. by the mentees; the organisers have Travel down to London, although built on this strength and actively inevitable due to parliament involved the mentees (both graduates and connections in the city, was of the programme and new intake) often difficult and expensive and to take a proactive role in delivering may put other Northerly women some of the activities. Graduates of off applying for the scheme. The the programme delivered a session women based outside of the South on public life combined with media East had to take more time off training (areas identified in year work and spend more to be part one as needing some development) of the scheme than women in and set up a public speaking club. the south-east. Whilst this was Members of the year two cohort have completely understandable in the organised a campaign to get young circumstances, I feel this issue people more involved in politics should be looked at for the future, (‘No-one ever told me about politics’ either through subsidies or the and a political book club). There is development of regional FWN clear evidence from email exchanges mentoring schemes.” ORGANISER between the participants and from the comments recorded in the focus The organisers are responding to groups that the mentees have used this concern and plan to develop a their networks, skills and growing North West pilot, aimed at working confidence to build on the package class women who want to go into provided by the programme. In year local government and a Scottish pro- one of the programme there was gramme is also under development.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 36 SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths of programme accommodate the interests of the mentees and to run • The selection of women who it on a financial shoestring. have already demonstrated a commitment enables the scheme to work with a good level of spe- Weaknesses of Programmes cific content about real politics. • Lack of geographical spread • The content of the scheme reflects recruitment of mentees the real experience of women • An under-emphasis on public politicians. bodies in the training events. • Combining mentoring with However this could be developed formal training. with future intakes and it would be possible to run schemes with • The training events and residen- different emphases as knowledge tial weekend helped to foster a and experience is gained. peer network which the participants continue to benefit from. • Variable quality in the mentor/ mentee relationship • The use of elected politicians to motivate and encourage partici- Opportunities pants • There is considerable potential to • The use of elected politicians and extend the scheme to other areas their administrators to provide including the much mentioned access to institutions and facili- public bodies. ties. • There is potential to develop a • The use of the political skills version of the scheme around framework to identify core com- local and devolved government, petencies and to measure change • ‘Franchising’ the concept and over time (the pre/post question- producing packs etc. However, naires show clear evidence of the careful attention and insights self-rated learning). from the organisers who have • Flexibility including the ability experienced the programme over to vary the programme to two years is a key component of

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 37 its success, and needs to be built Threats into any such plan. • One of the programmes’ major • Perhaps consider matching strengths is the fact that it is run mentees who do not wish to seek by experienced leaders with con- a seat in the House of Commons siderable political networks. with mentors who are not currently MPs. This should widen • The programme requires a high the pool of possible mentors and level of commitment, time and may allow the programme to energy required from the organis- expand. ers. There is probably considerable potential for burnout. • Schemes of this nature might potentially be funded by the state • The precariousness of the with parties applying to central finances is also a potential threat funds to run them. Alternatively and this is an area which should aspirant mentees could apply be looked into carefully. for ‘scholarships’ to participate in the schemes.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 38 conclusions and recommendations

his is an admirably strong and also Ruth Fox in Parliamentary well thought out programme Affairs and Political Quarterly.) Tthat reflects well the experience Moreover it is very timely for the of women politicians, women in current push (visible internationally) public life and their understanding to increase the presence of women on of what it takes to do the job. It is publicly (and privately) appointed especially important at a time when boards and committees. We there is evidence that women may recommend that the strand on public be becoming even more reluctant appointments etc. be developed and to come forward as candidates for continued if possible. elected office. (See Hansard Society http://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/ for reports on devolution and gender,

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 39 Reflections from the organisers

he production of this report with Labour Women’s Network on has given us the opportunity the induction day this year gave the Tfor further reflection on our different cohorts an opportunity of organisation of the programme and meeting and led to rapid bonding where we can make improvements and follow up social networking. In for future cohorts. the same way, having an overnight We knew the idea of the mentoring stay in Brussels and having dinners and political education programme together has all helped their was right as soon as we met the first networking. The support they give cohort. The excitement was palpable each other is in many ways stronger and the sheer variety of experiences than their relationship with their and expertise and raw talent was mentor and we recognise that some amazing. Our selection process women get far more out of the mentor worked from the outset and we relationship than others. Inevitably haven’t changed it though we have busy parliamentarians have less time increased the numbers per cohort to give and we need to spend longer as we are being overwhelmed with on helping some women to make the applications: up to nearly 100 this most of this time. We will continue to year (2013). It is good to see those broaden the mentor pool as we can’t who are not accepted one year taking expect some mentors to do a fourth our advice and then being successful year. in the subsequent year. The additional events programme The real strength of the programme gives greater opportunities for lies in the mentees and their openness the women to chair a session, ask to maximising every opportunity questions and try out ideas in a safe we give them. They then identify space where they are supported not what else they would like and create judged. Few of them have debated further opportunities for the whole before and rarely put in a position group. We really like this positive where they can discuss emerging approach so everyone contributes policy or present ideas to senior where they can. The diagram below politicians. What we observe over the shows how the initial framework year is not just the impressive number of compulsory activities has grown of women selected to stand for seats annually, with optional events or councils or Europe or taken on organised by alumni and supportive as trustees of national charities networks of ‘buddies’. but the visible rise in confidence Having a joint network reception which results in promotion, greater

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 40 ease in addressing groups, writing redressing the balance. articles and the preparedness to The emerging theme of our go for positions they would never reflection is that where we haven’t have thought of before. The Fabian quite had the time or the skill or the Women’s Network has thrived in contacts to organise something-then recent years and many of those who one of the 75 inspiring women will have been on the programme are do it. From fundraising to selection contributing their time and expertise of participants to organising our visit to really give it a great profile. The to Brussels, we are having generous Fabian Society offers them the offers of support. We get a lot out of opportunity to showcase their ideas this programme ourselves and we through publications and events and know it will be sustained by these conferences. women –and we will all shortly be There is understandably a feeling seeing even more of them on the that the programme is drawing too national stage. many women from London and What has also become clear is that those from outside London feel running an ongoing programme less involved. We looked at the needs the support of wider political background of our mentees and found structures and leaders. We wouldn’t that many of them had been brought have come this far without the up outside London but moved support of all the MPs and peers who there after graduation. The growing have given their time, experience north-west group considered a and active encouragement. Also the north-west mentoring group and Leader of the Labour party Rt Hon have instead formed a north-west Ed Miliband MP, whose words at the Fabian Women’s Network group to first induction event when he referred provide that additional networking to the mentees as “22 cracks in the and public speaking club and to glass ceiling” inspired the title of informally mentor others so they this report. And also to Iain McNicol apply for the national programme. general secretary of the Labour They plan to fundraise to subsidy party, his team and our MEPs – their visits to London. openmindedness and responsiveness The political skills framework has been a critical factor in our has shaped our activities and the success so far. Our deepest thanks political education programme adds to all who have helped in these real depth and richness. We had foundational years of the programme. not made as much progress with the skills framework and education programme for public life- though Christine Megson, many of the exercises for one are as Caroline Adams & valid for the other. This year however one of the mentees has picked up Seema Malhotra this area and with our support and support from one of the mentors is

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 41 THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FWN MENTORING PROGRAMME 2011 - 2012

Mentee Cohort 1

Mentors and political programme

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 42 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014

Mentee Cohort 1 Mentee Cohort 1 & 2 Organised joint events & public speaking club Organised joint events & visits

Acted as ‘buddies’

Mentee Cohort 2

Supported each Mentors and other for selection political programme Mentee Cohort 3 Supported each other for selection

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 43 recommendations for improvement

1. Improving the 5. Consider introducing geographical spread media training. of mentors. (Enacted) 2. Develop public life 6. Produce budget as and local politics a basis to secure elements of the funding. scheme. 7. Set out and 3. Establish schemes for campaign for state devolved assemblies funding for such and parliaments via schemes. party networks. 4. Setting out expectations about the mentor/mentee relationship early on, perhaps by introducing a session on communication skills for political life.

CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 44 CrACKS IN THE GLASS CEILING | 45 CraCks in the glass Ceiling This report is an evaluation of the fi rst two years of the Fabian Women’s Network mentoring and political education programme. The methodology used includes feedback from participants from a self evaluation questionnaire before and after the 10-month programme, a focus group with the outgoing mentees as part of the closing day, and semi-structured interviews with the organisers. In this evaluation we consider the fi rst two intakes of the programme (2011/12 and 2012/13).

This report fi nds that the Fabian Women’s Network’s mentoring and political education programme is an exemplar of best practice in the training and recruitment of women for public and political life. Rosie Campbell & Joni lovenduski

ISBN 978 0 7163 4121 5

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