Assist: A Seat At The Table

A Seat at the Table (ASATT) is an 18-month Assist project designed to inspire, encourage, and support aspiring leaders while celebrating the incredible leadership already thriving across the Tees Valley.

Our penultimate Spotlight event of the project, hosted at Hall Garth Hotel and Revive Spa and sponsored by Darlington Borough Council, brings together women and male allies who are shaping the future of leadership across the globe. We’ll hear how they’re driving change on the world stage and explore how those global perspectives can fuel action right here in our region.

Every attendee will leave with a clear, practical action to drive change in their own space.

Aspiring leaders will also have the chance to secure a place at an exclusive Leaders’ Lunch or Dinner Debate, where you can explore change-making in more depth with an experienced Tees Valley leader. We’ll also be sharing leadership opportunities from organisations across the region to help you take your next step.

* Tea and coffee will be provided.

The Panel for this event is to be announced very soon...

However we recommend you get your ticket now as we wouldn't want you to miss out!

Our Why...

The goal is 50/50 representation—equal seats at the table where decisions are made.

Progress is happening, including last year’s shifts in central government, but there’s still work to do. In the UK and North East, the gender gap remains at 10% on average, with women making up 40% of leadership positions compared to 60% men.

A Seat at the Table is about empowering Tees Valley women and girls to step up and lead—whether in their careers, education, on boards and committees, or in local and central government.

Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our region.

Is ASATT for me?

A Seat at the Table is for you if you're a leader, aspiring leader, part of a leadership team, or a male ally in the Tees Valley who is creating change—or wants to.

• Experienced Leaders: You’re driving change, want to make a difference, or are passionate about empowering the next wave of leaders to create real impact.
• Aspiring Leaders: You’re motivated to step up—not just for yourself, but for the future of women and families in our region.
• Leadership Teams: Your team has a male majority, and you’re ready to strike a better balance to strengthen your organisation and boardroom decision-making.
• Male Allies: You understand that empowering women and girls to take their seat at the table is key to shaping a brighter future for the Tees Valley.

ASATT definitely isn’t for you if you:

• Just want to listen. We need action takers.
• Only want to network. We have other events for that.
• Avoid uncomfortable conversations. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.

What to do now...

Register to let us know you are coming.

Come and find out more about us, what benefits Assist can bring to your business and you on a personal level.

New faces and familiar are very welcome, we have much more to tell you about what Assist does! If you're attending alone, do let us know and we can make sure you're seated with other solo attendees.

The Assist ASATT Team will be waiting to welcome you. Together, we can create change!

#ASATT #ASeatAtTheTable #AssistASATT #GenderEquality #WomenWhoLead

#ASATTSpotlight

This event is organised in association with Darlington Borough Council