Professional services firm Deloitte, publishing group Hachette UK and Lloyds Banking Group have been named as some of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2025.
The list, which was compiled by The Times and Business in the Community, recognises employers that make gender equality part of their business strategy at all levels and take action to create workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. It also celebrates organisations which commit to addressing gender inequalities and the achievements and efforts to champion gender equality in the workplace.
Other organisations which made the list include: Anglo American, Aviva, Capital One UK, Centrica, Deutsche Bank, KPMG, National Grid, Natwest, Nestle UK&I, PepsiCO, Shell UK, Tesco Stores, Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone UK.
Hachette UK was recognised due to its commitment to removing gender inequalities in the workplace through policies and cultural interventions, including addressing pay disparities, ensuring progression, and offering flexible working, family-friendly policies, an inclusive culture, and reward.
It has 11 employee networks to support equality, with its Gender Balance employee network driving culture change via events, advising on policy change and advocating for its members.
Georgina Schofield, interim HR director at Hachette UK, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected for the sixth consecutive year and recognised for the policies we have implemented, including the enhancement of our family leave policies, the introduction of the fertility leave policy and our new parental coaching scheme, which aims to support staff with their return to work. We’re proud of the increased representation of women in senior roles, particularly in the upper middle quartile.
“Our commitment to gender equality remains firmly on the agenda as part of our goals. This recognition speaks to the culture we are committed to continuing to build, one that authentically reflects our readership, and one where all staff feel supported, listened to, and empowered to thrive.”
Jackie Henry, managing partner, people and purpose at Deloitte UK, added: “Deloitte UK’s inclusion is important recognition of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, where everyone can thrive. I was proud to launch our new family policy, providing 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all new parents. We know that equalising paid parenting leave is an important step in improving gender equality and in giving families the opportunity to share responsibility right from the early days of parenthood.”
Kieran Harding, acting chief executive of Business in the Community, said: “The businesses that have made it into this year’s Times’ Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality demonstrate those that are holding fast to their values around equality. It is imperative for employers to eradicate gender inequality in the workplace, not only because it is the right thing to do, but it will also unlock economic benefits. While there is still much work to be done, the progress being made to ensure equal pay, career progression and offering enhanced flexible working and family-friendly policies shows that we’re on the right path.”
