What is FLARE?
Female. Local. Authority. Roads. Engagement.
FLARE is a free DEI group is specifically designed to empower and connect women across the highways sector, particularly those working within Local Authorities. Open to women at all levels and stages of their careers, the group offers a unique opportunity to forge meaningful connections, exchange valuable insights, and build a supportive community within an industry where women are often underrepresented.
New for 2025, FLARE has launched a quarterly training series aimed at providing members with the opportunity to learn directly from inspiring professionals across the highways industry. These sessions are carefully curated to deliver practical knowledge, spark meaningful conversations, and support women in navigating the challenges and opportunities of their roles.
Topics and training sessions have included: Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez, winter maintenance, equity impact assessments, Brene Brown’s "Knowing Your Values" and our latest training session featured Hayley Terrall, General Manager at Hatton, who delivered an inspiring talk on motivation.
How does it work?
We meet quarterly for 1 hour, at each session we go through the ground rules which are very simple and to allow for a safe space to interact.
Ground rules:
1
What’s said in the group stays in the group.
2
What is shared is not representative of our place of work but our own personal view.
Once ground rules are covered, the topic is introduced and then we go into smaller groups to discuss. The Brightly staff in attendance will usually facilitate by giving a couple of pointers and check-in to each breakout room to check the conversation is flowing.
To join the next group please register here.
If you’re a woman asking - what’s in it for me?
It’s an opportunity to meet other women in the sector and share experiences and challenges, great for your mental health, it’s a safe space to talk.
If you’re a man asking - what’s in it for me?
We’d love you to support your female colleagues to attend, increased engagement means greater innovation and productivity, as well as a sense of well-being.
The session
1 training session shared quarterly followed by an open discussion.
The training will hosted by professionals within the industry and we welcome conversation plus Q and A’s at the end of each session.
The training will be held virtually over Teams, facilitated by Brightly, a Siemens Company.
Training series kick off with Hayley - 18th August
Testimonials
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"The FLARE Women's Group has provided me with a sense of belonging in an industry where women are often underrepresented. The resources and support offered here have been instrumental in my growth, both professionally and personally."
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"The group activities and networking opportunities have empowered me very much, I've met incredible women who inspire me daily, and the support I've received from this community is encouraging"
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"The group’s focus on professional development and peer support has given me the tools and confidence I need to excel in my career. The connections I’ve made here are invaluable, and the positive energy is amazing!"
