News story

Top employer for women

The Home Office was today named in the Times Top 50 for female workers.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Today’s Times supplement, in partnership with gender equality campaign Opportunity Now, features a list of 50 organisations that support women in the workplace.

To make the top fifty, the Home Office was rigorously scored on how it engages and consults with women, and what is in place to support them in terms of flexible working and childcare policies.

The department is unique to government in being led by three women - Home Secretary Theresa May, Permanent Secretary Helen Ghosh and non-executive director Val Gooding.

Flexible worker

In a Times interview, Helen Ghosh explained that the flexible working that she has always enjoyed as a civil servant has been really important to her career.

‘It helps us to attract the best talent and set the right direction. We can’t lecture other organisations but we can lead by example.’

The department is proud of its diverse workforce which comprises:

  • 53 per cent women
  • 24 per cent black minority ethnic
  • 7 per cent disabled
  • 2 per cent lesbian, gay and bisexual
  • 19 per cent work part-time

Read the Times supplement on top employers

Published 13 April 2011