The Times Top 50 Employers for Women is the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established listing of employers striving for gender equality in the workplace. Run by Business in the Community (BITC) - The Prince’s Responsible Business Network, and The Times for more than a decade, the incredibly competitive process identifies companies which make gender equality part of the way they do business, working to embed it at all levels.
Over the last year, DWF has implemented a number of key programmes and initiatives aimed at addressing gender inequality in the business, including a peer-to-peer mentoring scheme with one of its clients, increased gender representation targets included in its Global ESG strategy, and, as colleagues return to office locations, developing its approach to achieving the right work-life balance.
This year’s applicants were closely assessed on the work they do to remove the drivers that enforce gender inequality, from flexible working and family-friendly policies to pay, reward and progression. This year BITC included further assessment to include the lived experience of women employees by asking what areas they feel need to be improved.
Seema Bains, Partner and Head of Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Group at DWF, said,
"We are delighted to be recognised in this prestigious and highly competitive list for the third consecutive year. We are committed to creating a better gender balance at DWF which is demonstrated through the inclusion of gender specific representation targets in our new Global ESG Strategy. We will continue to challenge barriers, collaborate and innovate to achieve greater gender equality."
Katy Neep, Gender Equality Campaign Director at Business in the Community, said,
“The cost of living crisis following hot on the heels of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 faced by women has further shone a light on how far we have to go on gender equality. Without action from all employers, we will end up chasing our tails while trying to eradicate the inequalities gap and create truly inclusive workplaces for all women.”
“This year’s application process was the most competitive one we have ever seen. Employers like DWF haven’t lifted their foot off the pedal when it comes to supporting women at work and they are a strong example of what commitment to making gender inequality a thing of the past looks like.”