The Senedd is delighted to be named one of the top 50 employers for women in the UK as The Times reveals its prestigious annual list.
On Thursday 30 July, The Times Top 50 Employers for Women was announced, with the Welsh Parliament recognised in the rankings for 2020.
UK employers from across all sectors apply annually to gain a coveted place in The Times Top 50. The list highlights the organisations that have committed to transforming the experience of women in the workplace and external engagement to promote gender equality outside their organisation.
Chief Executive and Clerk to the Senedd, Manon Antoniazzi said:
“The Senedd Commission is dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where all our staff can maximise their potential. This award confirms what a great place the Senedd is to work, and to be recognised for our positive and inclusive environment is an excellent reflection of the passion and pride shown by our people at all levels to achieve the aspiration of being an exemplar employer.
“We will continue to support our employees to develop their careers and their full potential by investing in them so they can continue to provide outstanding services to Members of the Senedd representing the people of Wales.”
A workplace culture that is truly gender-equal
To gain a place in the top 50, employers are scored on how they have created a workplace culture that is truly gender-equal.
One example of effective change, which the Senedd presented in its successful application, was the steps taken in recent years to make a career in the Senedd’s security team accessible and appealing to more women. Practical changes such as improved uniforms and facilities for women were introduced, as well as varied shift patterns. A recruitment campaign displayed a more gender balanced image and promoted opportunities for career and personal advancement within the organisation.
The evaluation for inclusion in the top 50 includes, but is not limited to: roles of senior leaders; actions to increase representation of women in senior positions and ensure gender balance at all levels; recruitment; progression; intersectionality; supporting parents and carers; bullying and harassment; pay processes; and external engagement to promote gender equality outside their organisation.
The Senedd Commission’s Women’s Network for employees provides a forum to discuss women’s experiences and to advise the Senedd Commission on issues which effect female staff.
This accolade reflects the many ways in which the Commission is committed to gender equality,
says Anna Daniel, a Senior Champion of the Women’s Network:
“The Senedd Commission’s commitment to gender equality has seen the organisation strike a 50/50 gender balance, with women very well represented in our senior team. Our commitment is supported by flexible working arrangements, women in leadership positions, fostering a culture that provides opportunities for all and colleagues who are kind and respectful of each other. All of which transforms the experience of women in the workplace.”
Those included in the list of
The Times Top 50 Employers for Women were selected by gender equality experts at Business in the Community, part of the Prince’s Responsible Business Network. Gender Equality Campaign Director Charlotte Woodworth said:
“Business in the Community’s Times Top 50 Employers for Women list is the longest running and most widely respected award for employers committed to achieving equality for women at work. This year marks ten years of the awards, and the bar was especially high. A decade of expertise and experience underpins Business In the Community’s assessment, which sees organisations reviewed across a wide range of areas including transparency around pay practices, family friendly policies and to what extent the gender equality agenda is embedded into wider strategy.”