Leadership Lens with Nick Cooper #6 – International Women’s Day

As we approach International Women’s Day this Saturday, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions women make at Adept. Notably, 47% of our workforce comprises women, and they hold 50% of the positions in our Senior Leadership Team. These figures not only highlight our commitment to gender diversity but also stand out when compared to industry standards in the security and cleaning sectors.​

Women in the Security Industry

The security sector has traditionally been male dominated, but recent data indicates a gradual shift towards inclusivity:​

  • Overall Representation: As of 2024, women held approximately 10.89% of Security Industry Authority (SIA) licenses in the UK, totalling around 47,124 female license holders out of 432,282 active licenses. ​
  • Door Supervision: Women now constitute 20% of door supervisors, with 50,000 female supervisors recorded in 2024. ​

Despite these positive trends, the disparity remains evident, underscoring the need for continued efforts to attract and retain female talent in the security industry.​

Women in the Cleaning Industry

The cleaning sector presents a contrasting scenario, with women forming a significant portion of the workforce:​

  • Workforce Composition: Women make up approximately 70% of the cleaning workforce in the UK. ​
  • Management Roles: Historically, management positions in the cleaning industry were predominantly male. However, recent trends show improvement, with women now holding 38% of management roles, up from previous years.

This data reflects a positive shift towards gender balance in leadership within the cleaning sector, although there’s still room for progress.​

Adept’s Commitment to Gender Diversity

At Adept, our statistics surpass industry averages, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment:​

  • Overall Workforce: 47% of our employees are women, significantly higher than the representation in the security industry and aligning with the cleaning sector’s demographics.​
  • Senior Leadership: Women occupy 50% of our Senior Leadership Team positions, a remarkable achievement compared to the broader industry standards.​

We believe that this diversity enhances our effectiveness, bringing varied perspectives and approaches to our operations.​

The Importance of Gender Diversity

Embracing gender diversity is not just a matter of equity; it also drives success:​

  • Enhanced Problem-Solving: Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions.​
  • Improved Employee Satisfaction: An inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging, boosting morale and productivity.​
  • Better Financial Performance: Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity, especially in leadership, tend to perform better financially.​

Looking Ahead

While we are proud of our achievements at Adept, we recognize that the journey towards complete gender parity is ongoing. We remain committed to implementing policies and practices that support women’s advancement, not only within Adept but also as a standard for the industries we operate in.​

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the progress made and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.