Women into Employment Networking Evening 2026

Event Overview

This event is the grand finalé of the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship Women into Employment (WIE) 2026 series. It introduces a new, fresh, and energising format designed to empower female veterans and military spouses to take confident steps into their next career.

**Thursday 12 March | 1700 – 2000 hrs | Bank of America, 2 King Edward St, London EC1A 1HQ**

This special in-person networking evening brings together inspiring speakers, supportive employers, and a community of women who understand the unique strengths and challenges of military life. Whether attendees are exploring new opportunities, planning their next move, or simply looking to connect with others who ‘get it’, this event is designed for them.

Why attend?

This year’s WIE series combines online and in-person sessions to provide practical tools, expert insights, and real-world guidance in bite-sized formats that fit seamlessly into busy lives. From February to mid-March, participants will gain confidence, clarity, and career-boosting strategies. The series concludes by bringing everyone together for an evening of connection, inspiration, and opportunity.

Event schedule

1700 hrs – Arrival and refreshments
Attendees will begin the evening with a warm welcome, explore the employer stands, and discover the opportunities available.

1800 hrs – Keynote speaker: Michelle Mills-Porter
RAF veteran and renowned speaker Michelle Mills-Porter will share powerful insights, offering motivation, honesty, and practical inspiration.

1830 hrs – Networking continues
Following the keynote, attendees can continue conversations with employers, peers, and the Forces Employment Charity team, building relationships, sparking ideas, and mapping out next steps.

**2000 hrs – Event close **

Who should attend?

• Female veterans
• Serving personnel preparing for transition
• Military spouses and partners
• Anyone seeking tailored support, confidence, and community on their employment journey

No previous attendance at WIE events is required – this evening works perfectly as a standalone experience.

Why Women into Employment matters

Military women – both veterans and spouses – often face unique barriers when entering civilian employment, including:

• Translating military experience into civilian language
• Managing childcare, relocations, and disrupted schooling
• Navigating gender bias and underrepresentation in support networks

With 251,400 female veterans in England and Wales (Census 2021), women comprise a smaller proportion of the veteran community, making tailored support essential.

Research shows female veterans often struggle with recognition of their skills, access to services, and health-related barriers.

Meanwhile, the MOD’s 2025 FAMCAS report highlights that 68% of military spouses seeking work faced difficulties finding suitable employment — an increase from 62% the previous year.

WIE exists to break down these barriers, amplify women’s strengths, and open doors to meaningful, sustainable careers.

Ready to join?

Prospective attendees are encouraged to become a client today and join a powerful community of women shaping their next chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone attend if they haven’t joined the webinars or the Empowering You event?
Yes. Every event in the WIE series is designed to stand alone, and attendees can join as many or as few as they like.

Is there a cost to attend?
No. All WIE events are free. However, if someone can no longer attend after registering, they are asked to email events@forcesemployment.org.uk so their place can be offered to someone else.

Do attendees need to be an FEC client?
No. However, they are welcome to register to access personalised support from advisors — many of whom are military spouses or veterans themselves.

Part of the Employment Pathways series of Op ASCEND

Op ASCEND is an Office for Veterans’ Affairs programme awarded to us through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. It is a natural extension of the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), enabling veterans and their families to maximise their potential and take their careers to the next level.

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