The 2019 listing confirmed the RAF as a leading employer for women in an unranked list recognising workplaces for their commitment for providing a supportive environment. The listing was published in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC) and recognises 50 employers for their leadership on workplace gender equality.
The alphabetical and unranked list acknowledges UK employers who are making gender equality a key part of their business strategy, with consistent commitment to creating inclusive workplace cultures and progressing women in the workplace that covers their entire organisation at all levels. The RAF was last included in the list in 2015 and has been listed again after increased efforts towards inclusivity and diversity.
Air Commodore Maria Byford said: “As Deputy Gender Advocate for the Royal Air Force, I was delighted and very proud to attend the Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2019 reception with AVM Chris Elliot.”
“The award recognises the significant progress that the Royal Air Force has made in improving policies to meet the life and family needs of our people, such as the introduction of flexible service, following the flexible duties trial, and the fantastic return to work rate for our servicewomen following maternity leave. It was truly inspiring to be able to network with the other organisations in the Top 50 and learn first-hand from their experiences.”
The successful Top 50 Employers for Women 2019 listing complements further recent D&I benchmarking success, namely recognition as a Stonewall Top 100 Employer 2019 (announced January 2019), and as a BITC Best Employer for Race 2018 (announced October 2018). At an awards event in Canary Wharf on 24th April, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot (Chief of Staff Personnel and Air Secretary) and Maria Byford received the accolade along with Royal Navy colleagues.
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Defence Staff diversity Gender gender equality RAF Royal Air Force Women in Defence