More than a conference, the HCSA Women’s Network annual event continues to provide a space where women across NHS procurement and supply chain can learn, reflect and support one another. This year’s event, held on 30 September 2026, brought together colleagues from across the healthcare procurement community for a day of practical advice, personal development and honest conversations about leadership, wellbeing and career progression. The East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub (the Hub) was represented by Rebecca Turnbull, Business Operations Lead and Anamaria Koeva, Marketing Coordinator.
The day was chaired by Tracey Cramond, HCSA Women in Procurewment & Supply Chain Network Lead. Davina Mortimer, Director of Procurement, Peninsula Purchasing & Supply Alliance – NHS, opened the conference, welcoming delegates with an update on the continued growth and impact of the Women’s Network. Throughout the day, speakers challenged attendees to think differently about health, happiness, leadership and the choices that shape both careers and lives. The event concluded with a closing address from Faye Robinson, Interim Deputy Managing Director – NHS South, Central and West, before delegates came together for networking, dinner and drinks sponsored by Castlefield Recruitment and Curium.
Understanding the power of hormones
One of the day’s most practical sessions was The Power of Hormones, delivered by NHS GP Dr Rebecca Cassin.
The session explored the significant role hormones play throughout women’s lives and the often-overlooked ways hormonal changes can affect physical and mental wellbeing. Delegates heard how hormone receptors exist throughout the body, including in joints, highlighting why changes in hormone levels can present in diverse ways.
The session generated strong engagement from attendees, reflecting a wider movement to improve awareness and understanding of women’s health in both society and the workplace.
The conversation does not stop at the annual conference. Through its regular Empower Hour programme, the HCSA Women’s Network continues to provide opportunities for women across healthcare procurement and supply chain to learn from and support one another.
Leading when you are the only woman in the room
Executive and leadership coach Suzanne Tracey delivered a thought-provoking session on the realities of leadership when operating in environments where women remain underrepresented.
A key theme was imposter syndrome and the ways it can influence behaviour. Suzanne discussed how self-doubt can lead people to overwork, overprepare or hesitate before putting themselves forward for opportunities. These behaviours can reduce visibility and, over time, limit progression and performance.
Her message was clear: confidence is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about using your voice with intention and recognising the value that different perspectives bring.
The session also explored the distinction between management and leadership. One particularly resonant message centred on kindness as a leadership skill. Rather than being a sign of weakness, Suzanne described kindness as a deliberate leadership choice that helps build trust and strengthen relationships.
She closed with powerful words from Marianne Williamson’s poem Our Deepest Fear, reminding attendees not to shrink their own potential.
The session was one of the most frequently referenced by attendees after the event, with discussions around imposter syndrome, authenticity and confidence resonating throughout the day.
The session that stood out to me most was ‘Leading when you’re the only woman in the room’. The focus on kindness really resonated with me.
Rebecca Turnbull, Business Operations Lead at the Hub
Building stronger conversations with men
One of the most talked-about sessions of the afternoon was How To Help Him, delivered by Ryan Parke.
The session focused on understanding the challenges many men face when discussing mental health and wellbeing, and how colleagues, friends and family members can create safer spaces for meaningful conversations.
Encouraging greater empathy and understanding across genders, the session aligned closely with the collaborative spirit that runs throughout the Women’s Network. Delegates reflected on how clearer communication and a better understanding of individual differences can help create healthier, more supportive workplace cultures for everyone.
As someone who works in marketing within a procurement organisation, days like this are a great reminder of the breadth of talent in our sector – and how much we gain by connecting with each other.
Anamaria Koeva, Marketing Coordinator at the Hub
From purpose to meaning
In Leading with Meaning: How to Build a Career That Matters at Every Stage, leadership expert and author Angela Rixon explored the difference between organisational purpose and personal meaning.
Drawing on themes from her book Meaning Over Purpose: The CEO’s Strategic Blueprint for Growth and Lasting Engagement, Angela explored the growing importance of finding meaning and wider impact in our work. She also discussed how the relative importance of meaning and purpose can shift as our careers progress.
Central to the session were the Five Pillars of Meaningful Work:
- autonomy
- mastery
- purpose
- connection
- impact
Angela Rixon challenged leaders to connect organisational goals with individual values and motivations. The session resonated strongly with the Hub’s delegates and reinforced themes of purpose, connection, impact and wellbeing that emerged across the wider programme.
It was such an uplifting day. You walked away feeling empowered, like you could do anything, with all the women in the room backing you.
Rebecca Turnbull, Business Operations Lead at the Hub
Supporting Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity
Alongside the learning programme, delegates also supported Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, the HCSA Charity of the Year for 2026. The charity provides practical and emotional support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.
The event included fundraising activities, including a raffle, where Anamaria Koeva of the Hub won a copy of Angela Rixon’s book Meaning Over Purpose.
Across its wider fundraising activities, the HCSA Women’s Network has already raised more than £5,000 for Rainbow Trust.
A network that continues to grow
The HCSA Women’s Network was created to support, celebrate and champion women working across healthcare procurement and supply chain. This year’s event demonstrated exactly why the network continues to resonate with so many people.
Beyond the conference programme, the event provided opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones. Delegates connected with colleagues from across NHS organisations, procurement hubs and partner organisations, while sharing experiences and learning from different perspectives.
A recurring theme throughout the day was confidence. Whether discussing leadership, wellbeing, meaningful work or personal development, speakers encouraged attendees to trust themselves and recognise the value they bring.
Both Hub delegates left feeling energised, supported and connected. The event demonstrated the value of creating spaces where women can learn from one another, build relationships and inspire positive change across healthcare procurement and supply chain.
What I’ll take away is the confidence to back myself a bit more. There’s re al value in hearing honest conversations about career journeys and knowing you’re a part of a supportive community.
Anamaria Koeva, Marketing Coordinator at the Hub