Bord Gáis Energy Achieves Gender pay Gap in Favor of Women
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Attracting more women to Traditionally Male Roles
Recognizing the need for greater gender balance in traditionally male-dominated fields, Bord Gáis Energy is actively working to encourage more women into engineering and technician roles. They aim to have 30% of apprentice roles filled by women by 2030, up from the current 19%. Dave Kirwan, Managing Director ofBord Gáis Energy, expressed his delight with the results. “I am delighted to report that our median pay gap is close to parity this year at -2.0% in favour of women,” he saeid, adding: “In particular, we are steadfast to attract more women into roles traditionally held by men, including trades. We’ve set a goal of 30% of apprentice roles filled by women by 2030.” Bord Gáis Energy is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to thrive. Their goal is to foster a culture of parity and inclusion, ultimately “energising a greener, fairer future”. [[1](https://businessplus.ie/media-plus/bord-gais-energy-gender-pay-gap/)]Bord Gáis Energy: Closing teh Gap in Favor of Women
We spoke with Kerry McConnell, CFO at Bord Gáis Energy, too discuss the company’s remarkable achievement of a gender pay gap in favor of women.
### Q&A
**Archyde:** Bord Gáis Energy has announced a -2% median gender pay gap in favor of women. This is a significant accomplishment. Can you tell us more about this achievement and the factors that contributed to it?
**Kerry McConnell:** We’re incredibly proud of this progress. It reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. A key driver has been our focus on increasing female depiction in senior management. We exceeded our target of having at least 40% women in senior roles, reaching 44%, with 60% representation on our executive team.
**Archyde:** This is extraordinary progress. What strategies has Bord Gáis Energy implemented to attract and retain more women in leadership positions?
**Kerry McConnell:** We’ve implemented a range of initiatives, including targeted recruitment campaigns, mentoring programs, and leadership advancement opportunities specifically designed for women. We also actively promote a culture of flexibility and work-life balance, which is essential for attracting and retaining talent.
**Archyde:** Looking beyond leadership, Bord Gáis Energy is also working to attract more women to traditionally male-dominated roles like engineering and technician positions. Can you elaborate on these efforts?
**Kerry McConnell:** Absolutely. We’re committed to breaking down gender stereotypes in these fields. We’re reaching out to young women through educational programs and scholarships, showcasing the exciting career opportunities available in STEM. Our goal is to have 30% of apprentice roles filled by women by 2030.
**Archyde:** What message would you like to send to other businesses striving to achieve similar gender equality goals?
**Kerry McConnell:** Creating a truly inclusive workplace takes commitment and action. It’s essential to set ambitious targets, implement clear strategies, and measure progress regularly. But most importantly, it’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
**Archyde:** Do you think industry-wide initiatives are necessary to accelerate progress towards gender parity in traditionally male-dominated sectors? What role can government policy play?
**Kerry McConnell:** I believe a collaborative approach is crucial. Industry-wide partnerships can share best practices and amplify impact. Government policy can play a vital role in promoting gender equality through measures like childcare support, parental leave policies, and promoting STEM education for girls.
**Archyde:** Bord Gáis Energy’s achievement serves as an inspiring example. What advice would you give to businesses struggling to close their own gender pay gap?
