Organisations which have championed women’s rights in the workplace were
rewarded last week at the Opportunity Now awards in London.
HSBC came first in the Framework for Action category. It has encouraged
women into management positions and supported their efforts to balance work and
home commitments.
More than 30 per cent of women are now managers compared to 13 per cent in
1988.
Anne Watts, head of diversity and employee support at HSBC, said, "This
recognises all our efforts to create a climate for women in our organisation to
achieve the highest levels and to develop themselves to the full."
Liverpool City Council won the public sector award for its Positive Action
for Women initiative that has resulted in over 80 per cent of women who took
part in the scheme finding jobs.
Martin
House, interim head of HR for Liverpool City Council said, "We won because
the programme has been very successful in supporting women in achieving within
the workforce. The scheme has delivered high-quality training and vocational
support."
The private sector category was won by Bupa for an initiative including a
commitment to flexible working, a childcare helpline and advisory service and a
bonus for mothers returning to work.
JPMorgan won the new members category for its commitment to global
diversity. Tom Bain, managing director, who is responsible for diversity
efforts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said, "We have been able to
achieve high level buy-in from our senior management who supported our efforts
all along."
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The education sector award went to Bishop Auckland College for its portable
day care facility that transports childcare staff to where they are needed so
that women can attend courses.
Personnel Today editor Noel O’Reilly was among the judges for the awards.
