Improving gender diversity at Deloitte is not about ticking the right boxes or filling quotas, it’s about being an organisation where women can enjoy a successful career alongside the commitments that life outside work can bring, such as family. We believe there is no single solution to this issue. Instead, it is a combination of ensuring we provide the best working environment from an agility perspective, outstanding opportunities for professional development and the appropriate support, such as sponsorship and role models.

In October 2014 we welcomed Helena Morrissey, CEO of Newton and founder of the 30% Club, to our CEO Town Hall. Alongside our chief executive David Sproul, Helena shared insights into her own career journey and the achievements of the 30% Club so far. As part of the Town Hall we launched our Women in Leadership action plan. We set out — among the various actions that we will be taking — our plans for a return-to-work placement programme for senior women who have been out of the workplace for three to five years, enhanced coaching for mothers returning from maternity and adoption leave (including mandatory coaching for line managers) and a sponsorship programme that pairs aspiring female leaders with a senior sponsor within their service line.

Also in FY15, our Women’s Network invited Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, founder of the Inspiring Women Campaign, to Deloitte to speak about the challenges facing women in society and at work, as well as the additional scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile working mother (Miriam is married to former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg). Miriam talked passionately about the campaign, which aims to help young women from all backgrounds to broaden their horizons and combat gender stereotypes about occupations. Inspiring Women pairs school students with female volunteers from a variety of occupations to share their experiences and talk about their job and career path.