Gemma, Head of Operations, and Martha, Policy and Events Officer, at the BSA are really proud to have worked with BSA member NatWest on our series of BSA Women in Business Services events.
BSA members employ such a diverse breadth of talent, experience, and expertise, and we value how much of a priority inclusivity and gender equality is across our sector.
In September 2022, the BSA organised an event with Dame Melanie Dawes DCB, Chief Executive of Ofcom. She shared her experiences over her time in Ofcom and as a senior civil servant, and reflected on how the lessons she learned in the public sector could apply to business services.
We all discussed our own experiences of what works well in supporting women to succeed, such as reverse mentoring and consistent recruitment practices. We also talked about how we can challenge outdated workplace cultures and the importance of allyship and networks.
Last month, Dame Bernadette Kelly DCB, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport met with senior female leaders from across the transport and infrastructure industries. It was refreshing to acknowledge our sector’s gender diversity challenges as well as recognising the huge progress that has already been made. The discussion was a great example of women supporting other women, as we outlined ways we can encourage more equal recruitment and recognition in our organisations, not just across gender but also ethnicities and age groups. Importantly, we highlighting the impacts of flexible working on women’s work patterns – both good and bad – and how we can increase the visibility of the breadth of skills and roles in industry.
Gemma and Martha are excited about the future of the BSA’s Women in Business Services event series, and details of future sessions, including additional smaller focused sessions and wider networking receptions, will be circulated to members soon.
We are very grateful to BSA member NatWest for supporting this series of events.