Empowering women in tech: Lessons from a DWP Digital leader

I admit that, in the past, I wouldn’t take part in a course — or anything — geared just for women. I always felt I was perfectly capable myself. But as I’ve matured, I’ve realized those things are necessary. Now I strongly believe we need to put in place specific support mechanisms and create some safe spaces where women can talk and develop in a different environment than the standard, mixed environment we’ve all become used to. 

How DWP Digital supports women 

The wide range of work we do at DWP Digital requires a diverse mix of cultures, perspectives, experience, skills and ideas. DWP aims to be a wholly inclusive organization, representative of the customers and communities we serve and a place where our people can thrive, no matter their background or circumstance.  

DWP is the UK’s largest government department. We have good policies around equality, such as a benefits package built around a work-life balance, including family-friendly policies such as flexible working. It’s about supporting people with these flexible policies too. We did quite a bit of work around how we can support people returning to the workplace, particularly women who may have had a few years out with childcare responsibilities.