Sian Spencer has been named one of the top ‘influencers and change makers of the future’ by an awards event designed to highlight positive role models. 

Ms Spencer, a solicitor in the Litigation team at Napthens solicitors’ Penrith office, has been awarded a place in the Top 50 Future Northern Power Women list, by the Northern Power Women awards.

The awards are designed to celebrate and showcase ‘role models who take positive steps towards transforming organisation culture in the north of England.’ 

The awards ceremony was held at an event on March 3 at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester. 

Partners and sponsors including EasyJet, the Government Equalities Office, NatWest and QVC lent their support to the event. As part of the ceremony, a number of awards were handed out, and two lists were announced – the Top 50 Northern Power Women, and separately the Top 50 Future Northern Power Women. 

Sian was nominated for the Future Power Women list by a third party, and selected for the top 50 from hundreds of submissions. 

These lists are intended to "showcase the most outstanding and inspirational leaders who are dedicating themselves to creating more gender-balanced workplaces." 

Sian has particular expertise in the Equality Act, and works with the Women In Social Housing organisation, which empowers women in the social housing sector to further their careers. 

She also carries out a range of voluntary work including with Girlguiding. 

She said: “It is an honour to be nominated for the list in the first place, never mind being chosen for the list of 50 ‘ones to watch.’ 

“While the law is often seen as a male-dominated industry there are plenty of firms challenging this pre-conception, including Napthens, and I’m proud that I’m considered to be making a difference.”