The Women in
STEM
Network
Professional connection across disciplines, regions and career stages
Mums in Science Limited, Company Number 14418391, is registered in England and Wales and trades as The Women in STEM Network. Mums in Science Limited owns and operates The Women in STEM Network as its social impact network and professional development community.
This Governance and Operating Framework establishes the governance structure, operating principles and decision-making responsibilities of Mums in Science Limited trading as The Women in STEM Network. It is designed to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible management while supporting the delivery of the Network's mission as a social impact initiative.
This document serves as the organisation’s governing constitution for the purposes of funding applications, partnership agreements, internal policy management, and corporate governance.
Mums in Science Limited owns The Women in STEM Network and trades under that name. The Women in STEM Network operates as a social impact network and professional development community that advances gender equity globally across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Mums in Science Limited is the registered legal entity responsible for all contracts, financial accounts, legal obligations, statutory filings and governance decisions. The trading name The Women in STEM Network is used in communications, branding and programme delivery. References in this document to the Network or The Women in STEM Network refer to activities owned and operated by Mums in Science Limited.
This framework forms part of the Women in STEM Network's wider governance structure and should be read alongside the following documents:
These documents explain how authority is exercised, how the Advisory Board operates and how conflicts are declared and managed.
A world where women and underrepresented talent in STEM can thrive, lead, and shape scientific and technological advancement without systemic barriers.
To accelerate the career progression, visibility, and influence of women in STEM by providing professional development, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and access to opportunities across all STEM fields worldwide.
Mums in Science Limited, trading as The Women in STEM Network, exists to advance gender equity and professional development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics globally. The Network provides resources, mentoring, skills development, research dissemination and peer support to increase representation, progression and leadership opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in STEM careers. Revenue generated through the Network is reinvested to expand access to career development, professional recognition and inclusive professional networks.
The Women in STEM Network operates in accordance with the following values:
To achieve its mission, Women in STEM Network may:
5.1 Deliver educational programmes, workshops, mentoring and career development initiatives.
5.2 Publish professional resources, research, toolkits and training materials.
5.3 Partner with educational institutions, employers, industry STEM groups, research bodies and sponsors.
5.4 Engage volunteers, collaborators and ambassadors to support delivery of impact activities.
5.5 Raise funds and generate revenue through memberships, sponsorships, consultancy, events and services.
5.6 Apply for grants, awards and partnerships from UK and international funding providers.
5.7 Employ staff, contractors and consultants where required.
5.8 Acquire or lease property, physical assets or digital platforms necessary for operations.
5.9 Operate internationally in line with UK law and relevant local regulations.
5.10 Take any lawful action that supports the organisation’s mission and social purpose.
6.1 Legal Responsibility
Legal responsibility for The Women in STEM Network rests with its owner, Mums in Science Limited. The company is led by its Director, Dr Shara Cohen, who provides governance leadership, financial oversight and strategic direction.
6.2 Strategic Advisory Support
To support good governance without altering legal control, the Director may appoint members to serve in advisory capacities including, but not limited to:
These advisory roles do not carry legal liability but exist to guide and strengthen strategic decisions.
The role, responsibilities, appointment and conduct of Advisory Board members are set out in the Board Terms of Reference and the Advisory Board Member Framework.
6.3 Delegated Decision-Making
Delegated responsibilities may be authorised for:
Further detail is set out in the Delegation of Authority Policy.
6.4 Accountability
All delegated teams report to the Director to ensure alignment with mission, compliance and values.
7.1 Operational Meetings
Internal team or leadership meetings will be held as needed, at a minimum quarterly.
7.2 Strategic Review Meetings
The Director will conduct biannual reviews of strategic direction and impact activity.
7.3 Decision-Making
Decisions are made:
7.4 Meeting Records
Minutes or action records will be maintained for formal governance meetings.
8.1 The Women in STEM Network offers membership to individuals and organisations aligned with its mission.
8.2 Membership types may include:
8.3 Members agree to uphold the Code of Conduct.
8.4 Membership may be suspended or terminated if a member acts in a manner that harms the organisation, the network, or its reputation.
9.1 Financial Responsibility
The financial management of the Network is overseen by the Director of Mums in Science Limited. All income and expenditure are recorded by the legal entity in accordance with applicable UK accounting requirements.
9.2 Use of Funds
Revenue generated by The Women in STEM Network is reinvested to support:
9.3 Financial Controls
9.4 Fundraising Ethics
The organisation will not knowingly accept funding from organisations involved in unethical or exploitative practices. All fundraising must comply with UK fundraising regulations and organisational values.
10.1 The organisation is committed to equality of opportunity regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, disability, religion, socio-economic status or other personal characteristics.
10.2 We promote inclusive participation and actively work to remove systemic and cultural barriers affecting women in STEM.
10.3 Discrimination or harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited and may result in suspension or removal from the organisation.
11.1 The Women in STEM Network is committed to safeguarding all individuals who engage with our organisation, including young people aged 16+, early-career professionals, and vulnerable participants.
11.2 Although The WiSN does not work directly with children under 16 or at-risk adults in regulated activity, it maintains safeguarding awareness and responsible conduct.
11.3 All volunteers, mentors, advisors and staff must:
11.4 Safeguarding concerns will be escalated to the Director who will determine whether referral to appropriate authorities is required.
12.1 The organisation complies with UK GDPR legislation.
12.2 Personal data is collected only for legitimate purposes and stored securely.
12.3 Volunteers, staff and partners must not disclose confidential information unless legally required.
12.4 A Data Protection Policy governs data access, storage, retention and removal.
13.1 All volunteers, ambassadors, and members represent the Women in STEM Network and must maintain professional conduct.
13.2 The brand, logo and materials may only be used with written permission.
13.3 Public statements made on behalf of the organisation must be approved by the Director or appointed spokesperson.
Women in STEM Network is supported by a global volunteer and ambassador community. These individuals represent the organisation and contribute to impact projects, outreach and engagement.
Roles may include:
All volunteers and ambassadors agree to:
Volunteers and ambassadors must:
Volunteers may access internal information. They must:
Ambassadors and volunteers may represent the organisation publicly only when authorised and must:
Conflicts of interest are addressed in the separate Conflicts of Interest Policy, which applies to all Advisory Board members, staff and volunteers.
Volunteers or ambassadors may be removed if they:
Removal decisions will be made by the Director with input from relevant team leads.
15.1 Complaints may be made about conduct, safeguarding or organisational matters.
15.2 Complaints should first be addressed informally where possible.
15.3 Formal complaints must be submitted in writing to the Director at the registered address or official email.
15.4 Investigations will be conducted fairly, respecting confidentiality.
15.5 Appeals may be submitted but final decision rests with the Director.
The organisation will identify and manage risks in the following areas:
If the organisation ceases operations or winds up, any remaining assets will be transferred to a non-profit, educational or social impact organisation with similar aims to support women or underrepresented groups in STEM. No assets will be distributed for private gain. The decision will be made by the Director at the time of dissolution.
All members, volunteers, ambassadors and partners of the Women in STEM Network agree to uphold the following standards:
Breaches of this Code may result in suspension or removal from the organisation.
Volunteers and ambassadors agree to:
Volunteers and ambassadors are not employees and do not enter into a contract of employment. Participation is voluntary and unpaid except for agreed expenses.
This Governance and Operating Framework will be reviewed annually or sooner if required to reflect organisational growth or regulatory changes.
Nothing in this Governance and Operating Framework prevents the Director or future shareholders of Mums in Science Limited from transferring ownership, selling the company or securing investment, provided that any such action continues to support the organisation’s mission.
This document has been approved and adopted by Mums in Science Limited, trading as The Women in STEM Network.
On behalf of Mums in Science Limited
Name: Dr Shara Cohen
Position: Director
Last updated October 2026