Student Speaker Opportunity

Are you passionate about women's leadership, equality and creating positive change? 

We are seeking expressions of interest from undergraduate students to become one of two student speakers at the launch of the UK & Ireland Higher Education Women in Leadership Forum at the House of Lords on 19 November 2026. 

This is a unique opportunity to share your experiences, represent the student voice, and speak alongside some of the UK's most influential leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and changemakers.

STUDENT SPEAKER APPLICATION FORM 

About the Women in Leadership Forum

The UK & Ireland Higher Education Women in Leadership Forum is a new national initiative designed to connect, inspire, empower and elevate women in Higher Education. The Forum brings together leaders from across the sector and beyond to champion leadership development, advocacy, mentorship, visibility and policy influence.  

The Forum's vision is to create a thriving community that supports women at every stage of their leadership journey, helping to address the under-representation of women in senior roles while building opportunities for future generations of leaders.

The Launch Event 

Hosted at the House of Lords, the launch event will bring together senior leaders from Higher Education, business, government and industry for an evening of thought-provoking discussions, networking and inspiration.  

The programme includes contributions from: 

• Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Schools and former Home Secretary 
• Baroness Geeta Nargund, award-winning fertility expert and UoP Pro-Chancellor (Health) 
• Rosemary Reed, producer, philanthropist and co-founder of POW TV Studios 
• Professor Doyin Atewologun, organisational psychologist and inclusion expert 
• Deborah Armstrong, Senior VP, Networks EMEA and Ad Sales, The Walt Disney Company 
• Dr Roni Savage FREng, engineer, entrepreneur and STEM advocate 
• Leighanne Earley, Global Creative Director 

A highlight of the event will be the contribution of two University of Portsmouth students, sharing their perspectives and experiences with an audience of influential leaders and decisionmakers. 

We are interested in authentic student experiences and insights. You may have a key aspect of leadership you would like to talk about, or you can draw inspiration from the themes below. 

• Confidence  
• Belonging  
• Representation  
• Resilience  
• Overcoming challenges  
• Career aspirations  
• Supporting others  
• Inclusion and equity 

The Student Speaker Development Programme 

This opportunity is designed to be developmental as well as competitive. Shortlisted students will attend a dedicated Student Speaker Development Day on 13 October 2026. 

Hosted by university staff and leadership professionals, the day will help you gain a deeper understanding of the November event, while offering further insight into the Forum, its long-term vision, and future plans. 

The key focus of the day will be on helping you: 

• Refine and deliver a leadership-focused pitch 
• Learn how to communicate experiences with authenticity and impact 
• Build confidence and speaking presence 

Following the development day, a panel will select two students to speak at the House of Lords event in November, a further two students will be invited to attend as guests.

Who Can Apply? 

We welcome applications from women (or those who identify as) undertaking undergraduate degrees, from any year of study and any discipline. No previous leadership or public speaking experience is required. We are looking for students with authentic experiences, a passion for women's leadership, and the confidence to contribute to important conversations about the future of leadership and inclusion.  

How to Apply 

To express your interest, complete the application form using the link below:

STUDENT SPEAKER APPLICATION FORM 

As part of your application, you will be asked to tell us: 

• Why you would like to take part 
• Your interest in women's leadership 
• A challenge, experience or insight you would be willing to share with the audience  

Application deadline: Monday 28 September 2026 

This is an opportunity to develop your leadership voice, build your confidence, and help shape a national conversation about women in leadership. 

We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds and experiences and look forward to hearing your story.