Ernst and Young and Mitie Group are among the employers to receive a place in The Times’ top 50 employers for women list.
The list is compiled in partnership with Opportunity Now, the gender equality campaign by Business in the Community. It celebrates organisations that are committed to promoting diversity and supporting women in the workplace.
Ernst and Young was recognised for its maternity coaching programme, which over 750 employees have signed up to, as well as its mentoring and career-watch programmes.
Steve Varley, managing partner in the UK and Ireland at Ernst and Young, said: “I’m very proud that the firm has been listed as one of The Times’ top 50 employers for women.
“This recognises the work we are doing to increase the gender representation, not only of our partner population, but also our wider talent pipeline.”
Mitie Group appeared in the list for a second consecutive year. The energy services organisation has introduced a programme to encourage women to return to work and develop their careers following maternity leave, and has piloted a maternity coaching programme.
Mitie Group also has a diversity steering group that is made up of 14 diversity champions, who have undertaken management courses in equality and diversity, and are responsible for supporting the gender agenda and implementing initiatives.
Ruby McGregor-Smith, chief executive at Mitie Group, said: “By making sure that we have the right environment and support for our female staff, we will succeed together as a company.”
Helen Wells, director of Opportunity Now, added: “Any organisation included in the top 50 employers for women list has to be commended for its commitment to actively recruiting, retaining and progressing female talent.
“The high number of entries and incredibly high standard of work being done towards gender equality and inclusion meant the judging process was extremely competitive, but what stood out as a common attribute for all 2012 top 50 employers was a clear focus on integration, innovation and impact.”
Some of the other top 50 employer for women were: Arup Group, BAE Systems, Barclays Bank, BT, Credit Suisse, Danone, DHL Supply Chain, GE, Google, KPMG, Lloyds Banking Group, Marks and Spencer, McDonald’s, National Grid, PepsiCo, Procter and Gamble, Rolls Royce, Santander, Shell and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
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