Marvin OnumonuThe Times released its 2025 Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list, highlighting UK organisations recognised for action on gender equality in the workplace.
The annual flagship award, led by Business in the Community (BITC), celebrates achievements and efforts by companies at the forefront of championing gender equality.
Companies named this year include Atos, Aviva, Capital One, CBRE, Close Brothers, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Evershed Sutherland, Fidelity, Grant Thornton, Lloyds Banking Group, TLT, CityFibre, Ofcom, Pinsent Masons, pwc, Shell, Tesco, Sodexo, Vodafone, Skyscanner, Virgin Media and O2.
Kieran Harding, acting CEO of BITC, said: “The businesses that have made it into this year’s Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality demonstrates those that are holding fast to their values around equality.
“It is imperative for employers to eradicate gender inequality in the workplace, not only because it is the right thing to do, but it will also unlock economic benefits for businesses and the UK.”
Reaction:
Ciaran Bird, divisional president, advisory services, and CEO for UK and Ireland at CRBE:
“This recognition is a testament to the strides we have made over recent years.
“It reflects the dedication of our entire team to creating a more balanced and equitable workplace.
“We remain firmly committed to driving further progress and ensuring gender equality stays at the heart of our organisation’s values and actions.”
Jessica Hill, people, culture and workplace director at Ofcom:
“We’re thrilled to be recognised once again as a top-ranking employer for gender equality.
“While there’s always more to do, this milestone reminds us of the importance of creating a place to work where everyone can thrive.”
Melissa Tatton, chief operating officer and women’s network champion at Ofcom:
“Being named a top-ranking employer for gender equality again is an incredible achievement.
“It’s a reflection of the dedication of our teams in creating a workplace that values inclusivity.
“Now in the fifth year of our current diversity and inclusion strategy, we remain committed to building an equitable Ofcom.”
Helen Hodgkinson, chief people officer at TLT:
“TLT’s inclusion in the prestigious The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list for the third consecutive year, places us well above any other law firm in the country when it comes to improving gender equality.
“In 2024 we pledged to see 50% of partner roles filled by women by 2029, and we are well on our way to achieving that milestone.
“At TLT we see a world of opportunity for everyone who works for us. We are committed to supporting those with caring responsibilities to ensure they are given opportunities to thrive in the workplace.
“At TLT we have an ambition to be valued for our values with our people-first culture setting the pace in the legal sector.
“I’m extremely proud of everything we are achieving. Thank you to everyone who has helped us achieve this milestone once again.”
Greg Mesch, CEO at CityFibre:
“Securing another year on The Times Top 50 list for gender equality is a fantastic achievement. Creating a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and valued isn’t optional, it’s essential to our success.
“As we continue our progress, its vital we continue to listen and learning from our colleagues. We’re committed to building on this momentum and ensuring everyone at CityFibre feels empowered.”
Jackie Henry, managing partner, people and purpose at Deloitte UK:
“Deloitte UK’s inclusion in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list is important recognition of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, where everyone can thrive.
“I was proud to launch our new family policy providing 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all new parents.
“We know that equalising paid parenting leave is an important step in improving gender equality and in giving families the opportunity to share responsibility right from the early days of parenthood.”
Andrew Masraf, senior partner of Pinsent Masons:
“Pursuing gender equality has been a cornerstone of our inclusion efforts for many years. This commitment is driven by our understanding that we do our best work when all colleagues feel empowered and supported, encouraging beneficial contributions which reflect diversity of thought and experience.
“In recent years we have seen initiatives to create a fair and level playing field for women begin to pay off, with female representation in the partnership increasing to 34.5% as of this year.
“Our progress in this space continues to be guided by our belief that equality of opportunity doesn’t have a definitive finish line and for us is an evolving effort requiring consistency and thoughtfulness.
“Going forwards as a firm, we strongly believe that there is much more to be done in service of equal opportunity in all its forms, both within our business and across the legal profession.”
