On International Women’s Day we highlight various initiatives being undertaken in the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism industry as well as a thought provoking article by Sir Roger Carr on appointing women to FTSE 100 boards. What these all show is that progress is being made but that there is still much to do.
Video of Angela Hartnett, Jillian Maclean and Carrie Wicks discussing women in hospitality
Big Hospitality have an interesting video discussion on women in hospitality which can be accessed at:
Women 1st announce that nominations are open for the 2012 Shine Awards
The Shine Awards celebrating female achievement across the hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism industries are now open for nomination. Sharon Glancy, the founder of Women 1st, comments:
“The importance of recognising and celebrating female talent and influence is more important now than ever before. The Women 1st Shine Awards present a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vital role that women play in our sector, as well as the unique approach and skills that they bring to the table.
“For the first time ever, we are also opening the awards to women working in the passenger transport industry – allowing us to shine a light on inspirational women right across the UK’s visitor footprint.”
Information on the Awards, including how to nominate, can be found at:
http://www.people1st.co.uk/business-and-training-support/women-1st/women-1st-shine-awards-2012
Women in Travel mentoring programme
Women 1st and the Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) are launching a mentoring programme on Tuesday 13th March dedicated to helping women working in travel and tourism.
Simone Roche, director of diversity at Women 1st, commented:
“Women 1st and the AWTE share a common ethos in that we are both committed to driving diversity in this vibrant industry and helping women realise their career ambitions.
“Effective mentoring can make all the difference – so if you are an ambitious manager and want to enhance your career, or an employer keen to help your female staff climb the career ladder – join us to shape the travel industry of tomorrow.”
For further information on the programme and the launch see:
http://www.awte.org.uk/content/events.html
Women on Boards
Progress has been made in encouraging diversity on FTSE 100 boards with about 100 new female appointees in the last year increasing the number of women on their boards from 12% to 15%. Sir Roger Carr, President of the CBI, comments in the Daily Telegraph today:
“From my own experience, a mixed gender board is simply a better place to be – better atmospherics, improved dynamics – more representative of employees, customers or shareholders. It’s just a lot healthier.
“The active involvement of head hunters has already started to make a difference. Long lists of women are more readily available than ever before. Not just the superstars of today, but also the less-known and equally talented stars of tomorrow. And there is more encouragement for women than ever before. Networking organisations, like the 30% Club and the Professional Boards Forum, are increasingly visible, providing valuable guidance and support.
“But perhaps, most importantly, we’ve seen businesses commit to taking a long, hard look at the way they recruit, mentor and succession plan to remove blockages in the pipeline of female talent to the board.”
Sir Roger then outlines a four point plan to build on what has already been achieved:
- Build momentum in the debate by involving head hunters, networking organisations, directors and shareholders in the discussion.
- Building up the pipeline of women in executive roles through adjusting working practices, eliminating prejudice, maternity returner programmes and networking and mentoring support.
- Shareholders need to make it clear that board diversity is not an optional extra
- Board chairman must create the right atmosphere and be supportive and committed to the success of the appointments.
The full article can be found at:
