The Taskforce behind efforts to address the lack of gender diversity in the UK maritime sector is to launch a new Charter. The Charter will create a framework to challenge companies to make progress on diversity, and will be supported by a suite of ‘toolkits’ or resources to help companies realise those targets.
We’ve been focused on making sure that the Charter we deliver is relevant to companies across the length and breadth of the maritime sector – both in size and function. We think we’ve struck the right balance between realism and challenge, with the appropriate plan in place to support companies to excel on gender diversity.
…said Sue Terpilowski, Chair of the Taskforce.
Events to formally launch the Charter are being held in London, Liverpool and Southampton across Maritime UK Week, which started on 10 September.
Key Components Companies joining the Women in Maritime Charter will be required to agree an ‘action plan’, setting out individual targets for each participating company. A key commitment will see companies identifying a member of senior management responsible for implementation of the action plan as well as distributing a survey to staff on workplace culture. Performance against action plans will be self-assessed via online portal and national performance published in a joint industry-government report. Our maritime sector keeps Britain thriving, but it’s missing out on a wealth of talent. No industry is a closed shop and there are simply too few women working in rewarding maritime careers, both at sea and on shore. It’s great to now see a real drive from companies wanting to attract women into roles, from captains and chief engineers at sea, to senior executives on shore, which will in turn help unlock the potential of their businesses, added Nusrat Ghani MP, Maritime Minister. Since Maritime UK’s Women in Maritime Taskforce called for companies to engage in its work, over 60 companies have signed a pledge designed to signal intent on gender diversity. Having consulted those companies on the design of the Charter, the Taskforce is now calling for Charter ‘pilots’ to come forward and agree their action plans. Without a diverse workforce we will not be able to tackle the challenges we face – including innovating cutting-edge technology, such as that required to decarbonise shipping. A plurality of ideas and creative thinking is absolutely critical to the future success of UK maritime, one of Britain’s biggest industries. I’m really encouraged by the response from companies across the country to the Women in Maritime initiative and heartened by their resolution to work collaboratively to effect real change, …stated David Dingle, Chair of Maritime UK. Explore more here:
