Ernst and Young, Mitie and Nationwide Building Society are among the employers that have been named in The Times’ Top 50 Employers for Women 2013.
The list, which is compiled in partnership with Opportunity Now the gender equality campaign from Business in the Community, identifies and celebrates employers that can demonstrate best practice in relation to their approach to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
Ernst and Young was recognised for its commitment to developing its talent pipeline, as well as mentoring and career-watch schemes, and its employee networks.
Mitie’s focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace includes a maternity-coaching programme, a focus on flexible working, an organisation-wide mentoring programme, and a diversity steering committee, which is supported by a network of diversity champions throughout the organisation.
Meanwhile, Nationwide Building Society was selected for its focus on promoting a healthy work-life balance. More than 80% of its female employees return to work following maternity leave and it has an employee-led Women’s Network, which has a role in informing policy.
Liz Bingham, managing partner for people in the UK and Ireland at Ernst and Young, said: “To be listed as a top employer for women is a tremendous achievement.
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress we have made to date and am confident that we will continue to innovate in the future.”
Ruby McGregor-Smith, chief executive at Mitie, added: “We are thrilled to be included in The Times’ Top 50 Employers for Women for the third consecutive year.
“As Mitie grows as a business, it is only by harnessing our diversity of talent that we will continue to succeed.
“Providing an environment of support and inclusion for all of our people is integral to nurturing talent and ensuring Mitie is leading the way in our commitment to diversity.”
Keith Astill, HR director at Nationwide Building Society, said: “We are extremely proud of this achievement and the evidence it provides, to both potential and existing female employees, of our commitment to creating a female-friendly work environment, directly endorsed by board level sponsorship.
“At Nationwide, we place great importance on diversity and inclusion, and have a sharp focus on the role that women play, among other groups, in helping us to reflect and serve the growing numbers of customers who choose to do business with us.
“It’s a simple fact that the majority of our staff are women, each hired on their own merit, ability and experience, so, for us, creating a supportive and progressive environment makes good business sense.”
Kathryn Nawrockyi, acting director of Opportunity Now, added: “All organisations included in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women must be praised for their commitment to the recruitment, retention and progression of their female talent.
“The high number of entries and high calibre of comprehensive activity made the judging process extremely competitive, but it is clear that this year’s Top 50 are leading the charge on organisational and cultural change, embedding accountability and delivery of activity at all levels, from the [chief executive officer] to line managers.”
