Grant Thornton UK LLP has been listed as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2022 for taking action to decrease gender inequality in the workplace. While progress has been made in the areas needed to close the gender inequality gap, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have had a disproportionate impact on women.
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.
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.
“We are proud of our commitment and investment to make meaningful change by removing the barriers to success that our women tell us exist. We use data to inform targeted action and have made significant efforts to improve our representation of women at a senior level. During 2021, we saw evidence of progress with an increased proportion of women being promoted to partner and joining as external hires. This contributed to a more balanced representation of women at partner level (from 19% in 2020 to 22% in 2021).
“The bedrock of our current strategy is removing barriers and improving the lived experience for our women. This includes: a culture of agile working and flexibility; sponsorship and development; ensuring female health is supported, powerful networks, internal engagement and education; and campaigning for the support of male allies to discuss and promote change.
“We are working hard to create a culture where our women are empowered to reach their full potential and will continue to do so, as we know we have more to do.”
“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.”
“The Times Top 50 gives us hope that we are making strong progress in our goal towards gender equality and in our 40th year we call on all employers to be bolder, braver and faster in achieving that goal.”
“This year’s application process was the most competitive one we have ever seen. Employers like Grant Thornton 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.”