Case study: Dealing with local government’s gender imbalance
Published: Sunday, July 17, 2011
The issue of gender imbalance is not just limited to the boardrooms of private companies; there is also substantial evidence of an imbalance in favour of men across local government. In order to address the under-representation of women in management roles, the environment and economy directorate at Warwickshire county council brought together 18 women on a new learning and development programme designed to help them reach their full potential.
Warwickshire's programme, which was based on Birmingham city council's advancing women in the workplace scheme, began in January 2011. The women signed up have attended workshops, coaching, and mentoring sessions. The aim is to give the women the skills and, most importantly, the confidence to overcome barriers built into local government and build on their aspirations. They will be provided with support over the long term.