At Severn Trent Services we love to support and celebrate International Women’s Day. Severn Trent currently ranks in the top 20 in the UK for gender equality (Equileap’s 2022 Gender Equality Global Report) and it’s incredibly important to continue championing it in our workplace. We would like to introduce you to Helen, Sally-Ann Betts and Helen who want to tell you about their experiences in working for us.
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquality The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. Read more about this here.
Helen
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me this is celebrating women in every way shape and form. It is celebrating those women who have impacted the world around you and are the driving force behind change. It is celebrating all the women past and present who have broken down barriers to become the best they can possibly be no matter what that looks like. I think for most but especially me it means celebrating how strong women are, no matter what life throws our way we always find a way to make it work and build on what we have learned along the way.
Have you noticed gender equality improving in the workplace during your time working for Severn Trent?
Yes. Working in a male dominant industry can be quite intimidating no matter where you work whether it is out in the field, or you are office based. Seeing more women in the workplace has been amazing. As the company has grown there are more females entering the space and holding their own. The men have a big part to play when it comes to women who work in Severn Trent Services feeling so at ease. They are respectful and open minded and here if you are delivering good ideas it doesn’t matter about your gender everyone is equal.
What is your experience working for Severn Trent Services?
My experience working for Severn Trent Services has been amazing, from the day I started I have been embraced into the company with open arms. My first manager Lauren James has a large part to play in my development here. She has been so supportive and has been there when I have needed guidance whether that is work or life related. Since starting my role I have had such a great support network around me full of people who have always made sure I am performing at my best. My manager Laura Harmer has nurtured my curiosity by allowing me to explore so many different areas of the business broadening my business knowledge and allowing me to create my personal development plan for the coming years. I have got to work with so many teams since my journey here began I’m so grateful that my role allows me to work with those out in the field and create those working relationships that I otherwise I wouldn’t have had, it also allows me to create working relationships with those who are office based. Overall my experience her has been great, I look forward to seeing what my future here at STS will look like.
Sally-Ann Betts
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me it’s about recognising and celebrating the amazing achievements no matter how large or small of women in all aspects of life. It is an ongoing reminder of how far we have come in Gender Equality and shines a spotlight to ensure we continue to seal the gap.
Have you noticed gender equality improving in the workplace during your time working for Severn Trent?
When I first started with Severn Trent 15 years ago my Business Area was an overwhelming dominated male environment. I can honestly say that in the last 10 years the change has been immense with a greater number of women in all areas of the business and particularly at Senior Leader Level. I think the pinnacle of this being the news that later this year Severn Trent Water will become the first FTSE 100 company to have women occupying the three key roles of Chief Executive, Chair and Chief Financial Officer, something I would not have believed possible 15 years ago! I think the shift has not only been fantastic for Women but has also helped Men in that I feel they are more comfortable sharing responsibilities such as childcare and improvements in work life balance.
What is your experience working for Severn Trent Services?
Before working for Severn Trent I had moved roles a number of times as I never felt part of a team that shared my high expectations of how people should be treated or practised right person for the job irrelevant of gender, race or ability.
At Severn Trent Services the ability to do your job is more important than gender, it is a can-do organisation and you are encouraged to try new things and work outside of your comfort zone.
The greatest thing for me is being given the trust and respect from the top down to just get on with my day to day role. My role allows me to interact with customers and colleagues at all levels , no two days are the same and I love my job!
Helen Jeffery
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I always feel conflicted on International Women’s Day because whilst it is fantastic to celebrate women and their successes, it’s always a reminder that the day exists because there’s still work to do when it comes to gender equality.
I am really pleased to see that this year’s theme for IWD is #embraceequity, which is all about recognising that people start from different places and that individual circumstances can make it more difficult for people to achieve the same goals. I think it’s important when talking about gender equality to recognise that we can’t just look at gender in isolation, and we need to acknowledge how intersectionality (whether that be with race, class, disability or any other factor) impacts alongside the gender issue to really understand the extent of the problems that need to be overcome.
Have you noticed gender equality improving in the workplace during your time working for Severn Trent?
I joined Severn Trent during the pandemic, which I think has had a really interesting impact on gender equality in the workplace. Whilst we all faced a huge amount of challenge and loss during that period, it had the effect of encouraging everyone, regardless of gender, to recalibrate and start working in new and different ways to support their lifestyles outside of work, and there’s a huge amount of value and understanding that’s come from that collective experience.
Of course, the announcement at the start of this year that Severn Trent is going to be the first FTSE 100 company to appoint women to its top three positions is amazing news. It’s a massive milestone not just for the business, but also for the UK.
What is your experience working for Severn Trent Services?
I have only recently joined Severn Trent Services having moved across from Severn Trent Water at the start of February. I’m really enjoying getting to know the business and all the lovely people that work here!
The last year has been a bit of a whirlwind for me, returning from maternity leave in July, and applying for my new role only a few months after being back. I found that my confidence had really dropped over the course of my leave, so having the support of my colleagues and the STS team played a huge part in deciding to go through that application process. It’s great to now be in post and working in such a positive and supportive environment.
