RHA and Lothian Buses have been awarded “best in sector” in Women in Transport’s 2023 Equity Index report, which highlights factors such as pay equality, career development and representative leadership.
Trade body RHA was highly commended in the logistics category, one of six in which awards were made. Municipal operator Lothian received that honour for the coach and bus sector.
The report, which was published yesterday and is claimed the first of its kind in the world for the transport sector, highlighted “shocking” gender inequality in workforce composition, leadership diversity, pay and career development.
Representatives from both RHA and Lothian were presented a certificate alongside other organisations who were highly commended.
RHA HR Director Laura Taylor says,: “We are thrilled to announce our recognition in the Women in Transport’s Equity Index Report, marking a significant step in the right direction towards achieving gender equity within the RHA.
“While we acknowledge the journey ahead in embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our industry is a long one, we are fortunate to collaborate with organisations like Women in Transport, and inspirational figures such as Jo Major to help us on our journey.
“The foundation of progress lies in robust, actionable data, and for this, we thank Women in Transport and Sue Terpilowski (OBE Lead for Index) for their hard work on the Equity Index Report. We strongly encourage all our members to explore this report and participate in the Index for 2024, as we collectively drive towards a more equitable future.”
Among the findings, Women in Transport reports that 23% of the transport sector workforce identifies as women and that 58% of organisations admit to a gender pay gap of 11% or more, surpassing the national average.
It found that 54% of organisations lack formal targets, commitments, or quotas for gender diversity and that 59% of organisations offer no paid parental leave to primary carers.
Sonya Byers, CEO of Women in Transport, says: “Our report is a wake-up call. The UK transport sector needs urgent and drastic changes to become a beacon of gender equity. It’s time for the sector to move beyond lip service and embrace transformative actions for a fair and inclusive future. This can only be achieved through cross-sector collaboration.”
Authors the report made the following recommendations for immediate action:
- Scrutinise and rectify the glaring gender pay gaps within their structures;
- Smash through the glass ceiling by implementing radical, impactful measures for internal promotions;
- Champion industry-wide initiatives to empower women into leadership positions;
- Overhaul policies surrounding paid parental leave, a fundamental right denied to a significant portion of the workforce;
- Tear down the façade of flexibility and reshape it to meet the actual needs of women in the sector.
Ms Terpilowski adds: “The Women in Transport Equity Index exposes the uncomfortable truths the industry is facing. It’s not just a report; it’s a call to arms. We cannot allow gender inequality to persist in a sector pivotal to our nation’s growth and economy.”
