Devon County Council highlights female leadership on International Women’s Day

Devon County Council has highlighted the role of women across its workforce today on International Women’s Day (Sunday, 8 March).

The authority said women make up 72 per cent of its workforce and 70 per cent of its Strategic Leadership Team, with the organisation also led by a female chief executive.

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Seven of the council’s nine directors are women, leading major service areas including adult social care, climate change, transport, finance, and legal and democratic services.

Devon County Council said the figures show the significant contribution women make to local public services across Devon.

“Women make up 72 per cent of Devon County Council’s workforce and play a vital role in shaping and delivering essential services that make a difference to the people of Devon.

“They are leading teams, solving problems, supporting colleagues and bringing insight, resilience and commitment to their work every day.”

The council said its leadership profile differs from national trends, as, across major organisations in the UK, women hold around 35 per cent of leadership roles, significantly less than at Devon County Council.

International Women’s Day is marked each year around the world to recognise the achievements of women and highlight progress towards gender equality.

This year’s theme is “Give to Gain”, which focuses on the impact of supporting others through mentoring, sharing knowledge, resources and advocacy.

Devon County Council said the theme reflects the organisation’s emphasis on collaboration.

“This year’s theme highlights how giving support through time, mentoring, resources or advocacy can expand opportunities and have a ripple effect.

“It aligns with the council’s core value of collaboration, recognising that when employees and communities support one another and share knowledge, everyone benefits.”

The council also highlighted its approach to flexible working, which it said is an important factor in supporting women in the workforce.

From their first day of employment, staff can request a range of working patterns including agile working, flexitime, compressed hours and annualised hours.

The authority said flexible working can help remove barriers for employees who balance work with caring responsibilities and may also help reduce the gender pay gap.

“Being flexible by default helps create an environment where employees feel safe, supported and able to progress on merit. It also helps retain and develop talent across the organisation.”

The council said it will continue to promote flexible working, career development and support for staff as part of its wider commitment to equality and inclusion.

“Devon County Council continues to build a workplace where women not only thrive, but where their wellbeing and professional growth are recognised as essential to the success of the organisation and the communities it serves.”

The authority said the high proportion of female staff across its teams shows it remains “an employer of choice for women across the county”.

“By combining practical flexibility with a clear focus on inclusion and progression, the council is building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and a culture in which women can excel.”