First Central ranks #9 in the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women 2023
In news just released, Great Place to Work® (GPTW) has confirmed we’re an inclusive and supportive environment for women, awarding us #9 place out of #55 in the Super Large Organisations category. Women thrive with us and we encourage them throughout their careers. What a win from the global expert on workplace culture and practice, especially as it’s the first time we’ve applied! We’re delighted.
GPTW’s survey asks employees hundreds of questions about their lived experience at work, comparing their answers with information revealed by culture audits submitted by their employers. It’s a thorough analysis of companies’ offerings against their peoples’ reality at work. The good news is GPTW’s rigorous assessment backed up our colleagues’ positive experiences: First Central embeds its policies, values and beliefs so well they shine through in our everyday actions and behaviours. We’re wholeheartedly committed to fairness and equal opportunities for all, this award underlining the huge progress we’re making towards gender equality and fulfilling our diversity objectives.
Our Chief People Officer, Jo McGowan said: “Ranking #9 is such a fantastic result for us. It reflects the huge commitment we’ve made to building an authentic community where we nurture and reward talent in all its varieties. Diversity sparks ideas and creativity; it’s key to our success. Our people have helped us establish the remarkable culture we all love at First Central and GPTW’s recognition is extra special because the award’s based on colleague feedback.”
GPTW’s robust questioning about equity at work focuses on women’s observations of fairness compared with their male colleagues’ experiences. It finds out how companies empower their people to reach their full potential, whoever they are, and uncovers their experiences at different stages of their lives as their circumstances and identities evolve. The survey also reveals how well women are represented, including at management level.
The colleague experience is fundamental to First Central’s strategy; we work hard to make it exceptional. So exceptional, our people recommend us without hesitation because we’re a company that’s dynamic, just and engaging. An employer of choice, that’s what we want to be and that’s why we’ve introduced initiatives like our Women in Leadership Forum, a community of peers who share their knowledge and understanding quarterly across business areas.
A key strategic target is to have 40% of senior roles performed by women by 2025 and we’re nearly there. We recognise talent and, despite it being ambitious, we’ve nearly smashed the target, already achieving over 38%. We’re active supporters of the Women in Finance Charter, an HM Treasury pledge for gender balance across financial services, and are passionate about policies supporting women's lives and health, including the menopause, assisted conception and flexible working options.
These are just a few examples of how we create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. This prestigious recognition confirms the policies, culture and opportunities our talented people help us create absolutely work. Our colleagues trust First Central, knowing everyone’s treated the same. Fairly, transparently and honestly.
Michael Lee CEO commented on our # place GPTW ranking for Women: "I’m really proud to see our unique culture rewarded. Having ranked 7th for Wellbeing and 23rd overall in the Super Large category earlier this year, hearing First Central’s one of the most encouraging employers for women reinforces our ethos is effective. In the GPTW Survey, 96% of our colleagues agreed they were treated fairly at work whatever their age, sexual orientation, gender, race or position which is a remarkable result. We’re obviously aiming for 100% and continuously focus on nurturing a transparent environment that makes success possible for everyone. Creating an exceptional colleague experience is a key strategic driver at First Central and I’m honoured GPTW’s survey proves our approach is successful.”
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