North East voice joins WISTA UK board

Maritime insurer NorthStandard has confirmed the appointment of Helen Barden to the board of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA UK), strengthening regional representation within the organisation.

Helen, who is director of external affairs at Newcastle-headquartered NorthStandard, was appointed at WISTA UK’s annual general meeting in December. 

She joins the board alongside fellow new member Louise Sara of Carnival Corporation.

Based in the North East, Helen brings more than a decade of experience in the shipping sector. 

After qualifying as a solicitor in Newcastle, having completed a law degree at Leicester University and the Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University, Helen began her career at a global corporate law firm in the city. 

She went on to join NorthStandard’s Freight, Demurrage and Defence (FD&D) legal team and has since progressed into a senior external affairs role, working closely with UK and international governments and industry bodies on policy, regulation and sustainability across the global shipping sector.

In her new role with WISTA UK, Helen will focus on growing the organisation’s presence and membership across the North of England, while supporting activity in Scotland and London, building on the organisation’s expanding regional footprint.

She said: “The longstanding WISTA UK Board members have done an incredible job building the organisation into the success it is today. 

“I am thrilled to join alongside fellow new board member Louise Sara and look forward to helping WISTA UK grow even stronger and more engaged across the UK, ensuring greater diversity and inclusion for women at all levels in shipping, trade and logistics.

“Improving gender diversity in the maritime industry is a passion of mine.

“When I joined WISTA UK I immediately discovered a vibrant, welcoming network of professionals dedicated to advancing women in our sector. 

“This community has been invaluable, opening doors to key industry and policy stakeholders worldwide that I might not have met otherwise. 

“WISTA’s commitment to action shines through initiatives like the WISTA-IMO Women in Maritime Survey, which delivers critical insights to drive real change.”

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