04 Apr 2011
Cogent has formalised its commitment to gender equality by signing the UKRC’s CEO Charter.
Cogent SSC is the Skills Council for the chemical, pharmaceutical, bioscience, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries and is the latest organisation to pledge its support to challenge the under-representation of women in these key sectors. The UKRC is the country’s leading body for advancing gender equality in science, engineering and technology (SET).
Joanna Woolf, Chief Executive of Cogent SSC outlined why they have signed the CEO Charter:
“Gender equality is enshrined in our operation with around half the workforce comprising women. This reflects the belief that diversity is not only fair, but good for business, ensuring that different views are represented and that everyone is appointed and promoted on merit and talent.
“The sector that we operate in is a traditionally male-dominated sector - with men making up around 72% of employees. The glass ceiling still exists for women and only 33% of managers and senior officials are women across the UK workforce.
“The case for increasing female leadership is powerful - and we want to be at the forefront of that.”
Jane Butcher, assistant director of the UKRC welcomes Cogent SSC’s pledge of support. She said: “Cogent has a healthy ratio of men to women at the organisation, with a near 50:50 split, which makes it a great example of gender equality in the workplace. The UKRC believes that only a concerted effort by the SET industry will break down the gender barriers that exist in these traditionally male dominated environments.
“We are grateful to organisations like Cogent SSC who are leading the way in a new consensus which creates an inclusive working environment for women. Skills gaps can then be filled and these industries will continue to drive the UK economy forward.”
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