A fireside chat with Baroness Catherine Ashton
Schedule
Wed Jul 29 2026 at 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Queen Anne Court, University of Greenwich | London, EN
About this Event
Join us for a distinguished evening of insight and conversation at an exclusive fireside chat with Baroness Catherine Ashton, one of the UK’s most respected political figures. This prestigious event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Baroness Ashton as she reflects on her remarkable career, pivotal moments that shaped her journey, and the lessons learned along the way.
The conversation will be led by Sarah Ghosh, Past President of CIMA, who will guide an engaging and thoughtful discussion. Drawing on Baroness Ashton’s extensive experience as a senior stateswoman and leader, the evening will also explore her perspectives on current political developments and her views on what the future may hold in an evolving global landscape.
Guests will be invited to take part in the discussion, with dedicated time for audience questions, making this a truly interactive and enriching experience.
The evening will be complemented by a BBQ dinner and drinks, providing a relaxed and convivial setting to network with fellow attendees before and after the conversation.
This promises to be an inspiring and intellectually stimulating event!
About our speaker:
Baroness Catherine Ashton is a distinguished politician, who has left an undeniable mark in the history books of British politics as the former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy. Also renowned for having been the First Vice President of the European Commission in the Barroso Commission, Catherine has been highly commended throughout her career for her ability to negotiate difficult international situations and her prowess in international diplomacy. Now hired as a keynote speaker for corporate events, Catherine is highly sought after to share her expertise on politics, geopolitics and international affairs.
Initially forging success working for the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Catherine entered the world of politics in 1999 when she was created a Labour Life Peer – Baroness Ashton of Upholland. In 2001, Catherine became the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Education & Skills. Later becoming the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Constitutional Affairs, Catherine was later appointed to the Privy Council and made the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Justice. She was later appointed as the Leader of the House of Lords and the President of the Council in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet, signifying her authority in the realms of politics.
Other prominent roles of Catherine’s have included being the inaugural High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy, and outside of politics – Chancellor of the University of Warwick.
Why not take the opportunity to get all your CPD in one place and join us for our ?
From 9am on the same day, we will be running our CPD 360° Conference! Session topics include: The leadership model, influencing and persuasion skills, macroeconomics, practical tax, employment law, and AI.
For more information and to book your ticket for the CPD 360°, head to our Eventbrite page. CIMA members can book before June 17 and benefit from the early bird discount!
To attend both the CPD 360 Conference and the Fireside Chat with Baroness Catherine Ashton, you must buy a ticket for each event separately.
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Guest arrival and welcome drinks
🕑: 06:30 PM - 06:45 PM
Welcome to the conference
🕑: 06:45 PM - 08:00 PM
A fireside chat with Baroness Catherine Ashton
Host: Baroness Catherine Ashton
🕑: 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Networking BBQ dinner and drinks
🕑: 10:00 PM
Event close
Where is it happening?
Queen Anne Court, University of Greenwich, Park Row, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 50.00



















