TLT named one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023

TLT has been featured in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023 ranking for its continued commitment and achievements in addressing gender inequality in the workplace. 

The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established listing of employers taking action and making gender equality part of their business strategy at all levels. Business in the Community (BITC) – the UK’s largest and most influential responsible business network – has been running The Times Top 50 for 13 years.  

Gender equality is a key pillar of TLT’s strategy to 2025, with four areas of focus; redefining leadership with gender inclusion at its core, expanding flexible working, increasing senior female representation, and creating a respectful culture. The strategy was introduced in 2019 in collaboration with the firm’s Women’s Equality Network – one of TLT’s founding networks that advises and guides the firm on best practice in terms of promoting gender equality. Since its inception, and whilst recognising there is more progress to be made, the firm has seen exceptional achievements in addressing gender imbalances.   

Selected by gender equality experts, the nomination recognises the action TLT has s taken on a range of issues that impact gender equality in the workplace which has included, but is not limited to, launching a fully flexible approach to working (TLT World) a dedicated pregnancy loss policy, competitive paternity and non-birthing parent leave provision.  

More recent action includes a new enhanced menopause provision for comprehensive support at this critical life-stage and two new apprenticeship pathways to support and improve gender-distribution across our pay quartiles 

Strong results have followed with TLT announcing earlier this year a consecutive reduction in its median gender pay gap to a record-low since it began reporting and, more recently, achieving its target of 33% female representation at partner level two years early. 

The firm’s achievements against its target have, in part, been attributed to its robust governance led by a taskforce who exclusively monitor progress of gender diversity. The taskforce is made up of head of real estate and future energy Maria Connolly, chief people officer Helen Hodgkinson and managing partner John Wood – all members of the executive board – senior partner Sasha Butterworth, partner and equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) champion Esther Smith and senior ED&I manager Lucy Norman-Wells.  

Helen Hodgkinson, chief people officer at TLT commented: “It is an honour to be named in The Times’ prestigious Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023. TLT has come a long way in recent years in redressing gender imbalances and I’m proud to have these efforts recognised on a national platform. Huge congratulations to all who have helped us secure this spot in the Top 50.”  

Charlotte Woodworth, Gender Equality Director at Business in the Community said: “Whilst companies such as TLT are doing a brilliant job at reducing gender inequalities in the workplace, it is evident that there is far more work to be done. There are still too many employees who face barriers in the workplace, from pay gaps to caring responsibilities. The cost-of-living crisis, following the pandemic has made these inequalities even more noticeable. 

“It is encouraging to see that this year, we have seen the highest number of applications to the Times Top 50 compared to any year so far. TLT being recognised as a Times Top 50 employer for gender equality shows that it is committed to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace so that once and for all, inequalities in the workplace can be a thing of the past.” 

Mary Macleod, Chief Executive at Business in the Community said: “We know that when women succeed, the UK succeeds, enabling our communities and planet to thrive. TLT is one of the companies leading the way in building a culture where women can reach their full potential by showing real commitment to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace.”