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 the charity, Business in the Community – The Prince’s Responsible Business Network – for more than a decade, the incredibly competitive process identifies companies which make gender equality part of their business strategy and are trying to bring it to life at all levels of the organisation.
Applicants are assessed on a range of areas, including their approach to recruitment, family friendly policies and how they have championed gender equality in the context of the pandemic.
As well as being included in the top 50 list for the second consecutive year, DWF's work has been highlighted in the official Celebration Report to be released on 4th May.
Focusing on the ways in which employers have upheld gender equality throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, DWF is referenced as a best practice example of recognising and supporting the different experiences and needs of diverse women.
Roundtables and listening sessions were held to identify the barriers to recruitment and progression within the business, which resulted in initiatives including the launch of an ethnic minority access scheme for aspiring lawyers and reverse mentoring.
Seema Bains, partner and head of DWF's diversity and leadership inclusion group, said:
"It is fantastic to have achieved this ranking for the second year running. In a year like no other, we have ensured that building gender balance and equality in our workplace remain priority areas of focus across our business through actions that are clearly aligned to our global values and strategy. We're delighted to be recognised for our intersectional approach and creating an environment where all women are included in our efforts to effect meaningful change."
Amanda Mackenzie OBE, chief executive at Business in the Community, said: “We look forward to the day when commitment to gender equality is the norm, not the exception. Until then, I hope more employers take note of DWF’s ambition on gender equality.”
