HM NAVAL Base Clyde recently hosted a major event aimed at promoting inclusion and inspiring and empowering women in the Royal Navy.

The Naval Service Women’s Network (NSN) conference was held on May 18 and attracted men and women from the whole military site. About 120 people packed into the conference which was held in the Base’s Warrant Officers and Senior Rates Mess.

Chairwoman of the NSN, Captain Ellie Ablett introduced the event with Rear Admiral John Weale, Rear Admiral Submarines welcoming the delegates and commending the organisers, Commander Lesley Stephen RNR and Lieutenant Commander Carla Higgins RN of the Northern Region team.

The NSN, a professional network for women in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, was established to promote inclusion and enable individuals to achieve their full potential. The Clyde conference was the first to be held in the Northern Region.

Attendees heard from a variety of speakers, and topics discussed included women in combat, serving on HM Submarines, unconscious bias, mental health and resilience.

Workshops featuring coaching and mentoring opportunities were also attended during the event.

In the afternoon, those attending heard from minister for the Armed Forces, Penny Mordaunt MP, who made a virtual appearance to deliver a video message.

Celebrating the achievements of female personnel in the Armed Forces, she said: “In the past few decades women have come a long way. When I was growing up I never dreamed we would have women commanders and submariners, or even Royal Navy personnel like Kate Nesbitt, winning the Military Cross for courage under fire.

“You’re already riding the crest of a wave and with the number of women entering the submarine service I’d expect the female population of Faslane to keep rising.”

The conference was closed by Nicola Williams, service complaints ombudsman, who spoke about her career and experience.

Lieutenant Commander Carla Higgins, commander of the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron and vice chairwoman of the NSN Northern Region, said: “The conference was a huge success. There were many more attendees than we initially expected and the variety demonstrated how inclusive the network.”