Community-led programmes supporting leadership, advocacy and talent development across the North deliver measurable economic and social impact.

We Are PoWEr has revealed that its community-driven programmes have generated £12.3 million in measurable social value over the past decade, highlighting the economic impact created through leadership development, mentoring, advocacy and volunteer contribution across the North.

The figure was announced during the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards (the largest celebration of gender equality in Europe) during the landmark tenth anniversary on Thursday 12^th March and reflects the cumulative value created through its programmes, partnerships and community activity.

Calculated and ratified using a Social Value framework, the £12.3 million figure captures the tangible economic contribution generated through thousands of hours of mentoring, leadership progression, advocacy activity and community engagement delivered through the We Are PoWEr network.

It also reflects the long-term impact of career progression, talent retention and leadership development across the region, demonstrating how purpose-driven initiatives can contribute to stronger and more inclusive workplaces.

Over the past decade, We Are PoWEr has grown into a community of more than 120,000 members, delivering over 500 events and programmes designed to connect leaders, organisations and emerging talent.

Through mentoring programmes, leadership events, advocacy initiatives and student career preparation programmes such as PoWEr Pack, the organisation has worked to create opportunities that support both individuals and organisations across multiple sectors.

Founder Simone Roche MBE said the milestone demonstrates the power of collective action.

“When we started Northern PoWEr Women over ten years ago, it was driven by a belief that the North was full of exceptional people whose impact deserved to be seen and supported.

What has grown from that belief is a powerful community of leaders, allies, advocates and organisations who are actively creating opportunities for others.

The £12.3 million social value figure helps quantify what this community has enabled - mentoring relationships, leadership progression, advocacy initiatives and talent development that strengthens organisations and supports economic growth across our region.”

The calculation was made in collaboration with a local professional services partner, ensuring the methodology followed recognised social value measurement principles.

The milestone highlights the broader role that community-led leadership networks can play in strengthening talent pipelines, accelerating career development and contributing to long-term regional growth.

Looking ahead, We Are PoWEr plans to expand its programmes across mentoring, advocacy, leadership development and early career support to continue driving meaningful impact across the North.

As the organisation enters its second decade, the focus remains on scaling impact, strengthening partnerships and creating more opportunities for future talent across the region.

For more information visit: wearepower.net/social-value