Across every industry, progressive companies are continuing to place greater importance on creating a more gender-balanced workforce. As somebody who is used to being the only woman in the room, it’s fantastic to witness the changing mindsets within companies operating across our sector.
I think it’s fair to say that businesses linked to PFI schemes have been traditionally male-dominated, but in recent years there has clearly been a big drive from many companies to create a more diverse and gender-balanced workforce.
I feel IPSL, along with the wider Imagile Group, is one of the businesses leading the way in creating equal career opportunities for women at every level. While we recognise that our industry continues to represent an uneven gender split and there’s still more work to do, I’ve found the entire team at Imagile Group is dedicated to providing opportunities for all employees, whilst recognising hard work at every level.
During my time working for IPSL – I’m now approaching one year with the business – I’ve found Imagile Group as an employer to be extremely supportive of my personal and professional ambitions, prioritising my training needs and allowing me to build on my prior knowledge and success. Having worked in the infrastructure sector for the last 5 years, I feel confident that my voice is listened to and, most importantly, that my contributions to the Group’s wider conversations are valued.
Over the last twelve months, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many excellent industry professionals, including colleagues, clients and members of IPSL’s supply chain. It’s been a year of new experiences for me, where I’ve learned a tremendous amount – from both men and women – and it’s great to work for a business that continues to flourish.
I feel the general consensus and attitudes towards females in influential positions from the wider infrastructure market has changed vastly for the better over the last few years. Due to the recent shift in perception, I’ve found it much easier to establish strong connections across the industry and I feel my contribution is highly regarded, especially now in the presence of new peers at client meetings and networking events.
Steps have been taken in recent years to attract a more diverse workforce, where employees can join the team from all walks of life. Imagile Group has worked towards improving its promotion of flexible working and family-friendly arrangements to attract wide-ranging talent that benefits the entire business. In my experience, the level of flexibility at IPSL is extremely progressive. It reflects a more dynamic approach to work, where employees are fundamentally trusted and given the opportunity to find working patterns that suit their lifestyle, while meeting business needs. This has helped to create an environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, where the wellbeing of employees is paramount.
Imagile Group has women operating across various aspects of the business, including very senior positions, such as Managing Director of IIM, Director of Business Support, Investment Director and Regional Director. Thanks to recent recruitment drives and a successful apprenticeship scheme, IPSL is proud to have female representatives in every single team across the business, helping to provide a well-rounded approach to our work.
There’s no question that I still operate in a heavily male-dominated sector, meaning that female representation in senior positions can be quite limited. However, it’s fantastic to see companies, such as Imagile Group and IPSL, actively taking steps to address the imbalance, recognising females who have excelled in their roles and providing openings for them to take up the senior positions that their performances deserve.
