Stagecoach has marked International Women’s Day (March 8) by launching a new mentoring scheme for its Women@Stagecoach network.
With women making up only around 10% of the workforce in the bus sector, the operator says it is committed to helping to narrow the gender divide in the industry.
Stagecoach is calling on volunteers across its business to act as mentors to help women colleagues “build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to thrive”.
The Women@Stagecoach network was established in 2021 to help promote and support women and equality in the business, promote a more diverse working environment and give women a voice to speak on issues that particularly impact them.
Sarah Blake, Chief People Officer at Stagecoach, says: “International Women’s Day is a vital moment for us to celebrate the incredible women who keep our business moving, while inspiring others to reach their full potential.
“At Stagecoach, we want our workforce to truly reflect the communities we serve. By launching our new mentoring scheme, we are providing a platform for colleagues across the business – both men and women – to ‘Give to Gain’, sharing their expertise to help our female talent build successful, long-term careers in transport.”
Stagecoach has also honoured “trailblazing” women who have spent nearly their entire working lives with the employer, amassing more than 180 years of service between them:
- Dawn Miller (Walkergate): 37.7 years
- June Mearns (Blairegowrie): 37.6 years
- Joanne Hughes (Gillmoss): 37 years
- Susan Bates (Skegness): 36 years
- Heather Doig (Glenrothes): 34.4 years
Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Scotland, is another who has been highlighted by the business for her role as a trailblazer.
Ms Doherty, who joined the industry in 2019, manages a team of 2,000 and a fleet of 800 vehicles.
Stagecoach says: “Her leadership is defined by a customer-first approach, a commitment to modernising services and fostering a collaborative team culture.”
She is credited for her work in the 100% electrification of the Kilmarnock depot, which was a first for Stagecoach nationally. She is also the newly elected President of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
The operator has also spotlighted Becky Pell, Operations Manager of Stagecoach South Scotland.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the transport industry, she moved to buses in 2023.
According to Stagecoach, Ms Pell “thrives on the variety and challenges of managing staff, buses and operations to ensure everything runs smoothly, safely and on time.” It adds: “Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a positive team culture and driving improvements that have been recognised across the network.”
