Mitie has been named as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women, for a fifth year. The facilities management company says that it places huge importance on attracting, developing and retaining the best female talent, whilst providing a supportive and inclusive environment for its people. Its chief executive, Ruby McGregor Smith, pictured, and finance director, Suzanne Baxter, are female – a rare double act for a large listed company, the firm points out.
The list is published with Opportunity Now, the workplace gender campaign from Business in the Community.
Mitie points to its internal and external schemes promoting equality. These include:
· Re-launching an internal women’s focus group, Women of Work, across the business, specifically focused on women returning to work after maternity leave
· Working alongside the charity Working Chance to help women in the offender system into work
· An externally chaired diversity steering committee, supported by a network of gender champions and dedicated forums throughout the organisation
Chief Executive of Mitie, Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE is the first Asian woman to lead a FTSE 250 company and is chair of the Women’s Business Council. She said: “Women make up a large proportion of our business and are hugely important to our continued success. I’m passionate about providing all people with the opportunity to succeed, and am delighted that we’ve been recognised once again for the contribution we make to championing women in the workplace.”
And Kathryn Nawrockyi, Opportunity Now Director, Business in the Community, said: “Congratulations to Mitie on being included in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2015. They have recognised that putting inclusive behaviours at the core of what they do and making gender equality a business priority not only benefits the women they employ, but also the organisation as a whole and the clients, customers and communities they serve. Their dedication and commitment to driving change should educate and inspire other employers to make a difference, whatever their size or sector.”
