This years International Women's Day campaign encourages us to 'inspire inclusion', working towards a gender equal world that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world which is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and where difference is valued and celebrated.
Here at the James Andrews Group, all our staff, regardless of their gender, follow the same transparent pay and promotion opportunities structure, with over half of our Management positions now being held by females, two of whom have recently celebrated their promotions to Associate Director level (well done Puja Ladva and Caitlin MacNamee!). We're delighted to celebrate our female employee's achievements, and to be an employer who actively empowers the women who work here.
As we approached IWD 2024, our Marketing Manager Kat Tyndall sat down with some of the women in our team, who each have their own individual aspirations and motivations, to learn more about their personal experiences as a female working at James Andrews. Thank you for sharing your stories team!
Meet Emilie, Managing Consultant, London Human Resources
The culture at JARS is naturally very supportive. I think the most important thing we do which contributes to this are the one to one monthly appraisals – these are a great way to express your achievements and struggles to then assess what we can do, both individually and as a company to help! I have had both male and female managers and the approach of these appraisals are the same regardless. All managers have played a big part in my success at JARS and I am very grateful to them.
In the future I would love to be running a HR division in London with more teams specialising in different sectors. Eventually, it would be great to oversee other divisions and running these alongside each other!
I feel that JARS do offer the same opportunities for women as they do males. It’s great to see 2 new Associate Directors of the company being women and it does feel like something that is achievable for myself. I must shout out that the culture in our London office is great and I always feel respected for the work I do.
Meet Steph, Business Development Manager
JARS recognised my strengths in business development and created a role around me when I expressed interest in development my career in this direction
I aspire to progress to a more senior Business Development role which will mean growing the size of the team to give myself the space to spend more time with strategic analytics and driving business achievement.
I definitely feel that I have the same opportunities as my male counterparts, especially since the business took steps to improve its offering for women in the workplace. I feel respected and that my achievements are celebrated here.
Meet Leanne, Consultant, Leicester Social Housing
Coming out of University I had no idea what to expect when starting my professional career, but I’m honestly so thankful to work for an organisation that has supported me from the outset, and who celebrates women in the workplace! In my office alone, I am inspired by the women around me who have found success in managerial positions and play a key role in our daily operations. Having been here less than a year, I have already been offered opportunities to grow my own network, run team projects, and become an IIP Champion for the organisation.
I have been welcomed to the team and truly feel I have a voice in my workplace, where my ideas and personality are able to flourish. I look forward to see where my journey with JARS will take me and to how I will progress, and I know my office will be cheering me on every step of the way!
Meet Jo, Talent Acquisition Manager
JARS has been incredibly supportive and flexible throughout my pregnancy and since returning to work as a parent. From needing time off to attend antenatal appointments, working from home full time in the final months of pregnancy, along with complete understanding and flexibility with my working patterns and hours to factor in childcare when returning to work.
Meet Olivia, Consultant, Birmingham Finance and Procurement
Monthly appraisals with my manager have probably been my biggest support here, it’s been great knowing any potential worries or concerns I have are being listened to. We have worked together to put plans in place to help in any areas I was struggling - a big shout out to my Manager Clara!
I am currently on path to senior consultant and working towards being promoted soon, after that I have my sights set on becoming a Principal Consultant.Before recruitment, I worked in a very male dominated industry and although they were very supportive, it was difficult at times. I can honestly say I have never felt this was an issue working here. It’s a very even mix here at JARS which is great but more than that, I am surrounded by so many incredible female managers.
Meet Liberty, Senior Consultant, Birmingham Human Resources
I have had great support from managers and colleagues since I joined JARS a year and a half ago - everyone wants you to do well here. After being promoted recently to Senior Consultant, I am already looking ahead to move into a Principal Consultant role within the next year
There is a very inclusive culture at JARS, with men and women’s achievements celebrated equally and in the same way. With more female colleagues moving into senior roles, its really great to see the progression opportunities being matched as well.
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