Everywoman and the FTA (Freight Transport Association) have joined forces to create an industry wide gender diversity solution – The FTA Everywoman Accelerate Programme.

In 2013, the FTA came on-board as title sponsor of the Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards. With just 24% of the transport and logistics workforce being female, both organisations are united in their commitment to address this inequality.

During the inaugural roundtable debate in 2012, senior industry leaders identified four main obstacles in achieving a more inclusive workforce.

•  The image of the industry not being conducive to attracting a young talent pool fresh from formal education
•  A lack of female role models in the industry
•  Effectively communicating the importance and business benefits of a diverse workforce to everyone in all levels of a company
•  Providing opportunity for personal development and therefore enhancing retention of the female talent pool.

In direct response to the roundtable discussion, the FTA and Everywoman have collaborated on an industry wide programme which supports all operators in their desire to welcome a wider talent pool into the industry and support women into senior positions.

The programme will address the issues identified by uncovering female role models to improve the image of the industry; extending the networking outreach and influence for senior women in the industry; delivering flexible skills development and unlocking the potential of all female talent; and positioning organisations as thought leaders and giving them the platform to be the voice of gender diversity in the industry.

The programme is for organisations and operators of all sizes, and can be tailored to ensure it is in line with organisation’s gender balance aspirations and works alongside any internal activities.

It gives access to the various services that Everywoman provides to support the female workforce, including: the Everywoman Network – an online personal development tool and the Everywoman Club, where senior level women in organisations and successful entrepreneurs connect, shape business and influence change for the advancement of all women in business.

In addition to this, companies can also get involved in Everywoman Leadership Academies, which support the development of female talent as well as the FTA Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards – which uncover female role models.

For further information, visit www.everywoman.com/accelerate or call Jenny Barlow on 0207 981 2577.

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