Inspiring inclusion at Spencer Ogden this International Women's Day

​International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th every year to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights. The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion.

When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

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What is Spencer Ogden doing to #InspireInclusion?

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• At Spencer Ogden, we're committed to reshaping the landscape of the recruitment industry, recognising that the recruitment industry is heavily dominated by males, both at a Junior level and Senior Management level. A goal of ours is to help females develop strong, long-term careers at Spencer Ogden and to improve female representation across the business. In our 2022 ED&I report, we are proud to highlight significant strides in female representation across America, witnessing an impressive 11% increase from 45% to 56%. Moreover, at the senior level, we've seen a commendable 6% rise, elevating female representation in leadership from 24% to 30%. 

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• At the heart of our commitment lies comprehensive ED&I training for all team members, an initiative led by our dedicated L&D team and provided annually to ensure inclusivity thrives throughout our organization.

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• Embracing diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of Spencer Ogden, evident through our Employee Resource Groups. These groups, including Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG),Pride Network, and Women in Leadership (EMEA only), actively promote diversity and inclusion across various domains.

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• Additionally, our Global Collaboration Champion committee stands as a beacon, commemorating and honoring significant awareness days that hold importance to our colleagues worldwide. At Spencer Ogden, we celebrate diversity, champion inclusivity, and strive to create a workplace where every voice is heard and valued. 

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Our Women In Leadership Programme

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In the EMEA region, our ED&I workshops have provided a platform for our employees to contribute ideas on fostering a more inclusive environment at SO. This collaborative effort has led to the development of initiatives such as our Women in Leadership community.

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Our objective is to cultivate a community where women empower, inspire, and uplift one another, fostering belief in themselves and confidence in their career trajectories, irrespective of individual paths.

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To date, a group of remarkable women in EMEA have engaged in discussions centered on clarifying our values and objectives, exploring the origins of confidence, its correlation with competence, and addressing imposter syndrome. With much anticipation, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth of our community throughout 2024.

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We recently had the opportunity to chat with Katie Campbell, a Recruitment Consultant stationed at our Glasgow office, who shared her enthusiasm and the significant value she has gleaned from participating in the 'Women in Leadership' sessions.

Why did you join the WIL community?

I joined the WIL community, because I believe in the power of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. As a woman aspiring to grow and make an impact in my career, I recognise the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and challenges, especially in a male dominated industry like Recruitment. 

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I'm passionate about advocating for gender equality, inclusivity and empowering women to reach their full potential, and being part of the WIL community allows me to contribute to this cause while also advancing my own professional development. Overall, I see joining the WIL community as a step towards fostering personal growth, building meaningful connections, and driving positive change in the leadership of SO.

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How do you find the sessions?

I find the WIL sessions incredibly insightful and empowering. Each session offers a unique opportunity to delve into topics relevant to women's leadership, such as overcoming barriers, building confidence, and navigating career advancement in general. I always come away from the sessions with new insights, practical tips, and feeling sense of motivation to pursue my career goals.

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In your opinion, how does, or how could the community inspire inclusivity?

In my opinion, the WIL community has the potential to inspire inclusivity in several ways. Firstly, by providing a platform where women from diverse backgrounds can come together, share their experiences, and support one another, the community creates a sense of belonging and acceptance. 

Secondly, the WIL community can inspire inclusivity by promoting education and awareness around issues of diversity and inclusion. By organising workshops, seminars, and discussions on topics such as unconscious bias, privilege, and allyship, the community can equip its members with the knowledge and tools to actively promote inclusivity in their workplaces and communities.

Additionally, the community can serve as a catalyst for change by advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. By utilising the collective influence and power of its members, the community can push for greater representation of women and underrepresented groups in decision-making positions, ultimately creating more inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the globe, as a leading recruitment firm specializing in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, we acknowledge the contributions women make to our workplaces, communities, and society at large.

At Spencer Ogden, we believe that gender diversity is fundamental to the success and vitality of our teams. Through initiatives like our 'Emerging Leaders' program, we actively nurture both women and men within our organization, providing Learning & Development opportunities to cultivate future leaders. Our commitment extends to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all genders can flourish and realize their potential.