News
Celebrating industry diversity
In a historically male-dominated industry, we are delighted to be featuring some very successful women in the December issue of Fuel Oil News. We are equally pleased to report that gender diversity in this sector is on the rise.
A recent review of FTSE 100 companies by Debut has found that oil and gas producers are ranked 2nd in the top five most diverse FTSE 100 sectors in the UK, just pipped to the post by the construction and materials sector.
The review also found improvements in terms of gender diversity generally on the boards of the FTSE 100 companies, with women taking 36% of current board roles. Although this hits the diversity target recommended by the Government five years ago, it is still a way away from a 50/50 split, which is achieved by just nine of the 100 companies.
Royal Dutch Shell is one of these nine companies and the oil and gas sector, as a whole, is close to the target, with 54% male board members and 46% female board members.
New initiatives
It was recently announced that OGUK has launched a first-of-its-kind survey that will deliver a baseline for diversity and inclusion (D&I) demographic and sentiment within the sector. Whilst this doesn’t only include gender, it is definitely a step in the right direction for a more diverse industry.
OGUK chief executive, Deirdre Michie, said:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of our industry-wide survey on diversity and inclusion. D&I is critical to our efforts in delivering Roadmap 2035 – by fostering a diverse and inclusive working culture, we will secure and retain new talent, bring new perspectives and ideas to the fore and, ultimately, expand supply chain opportunities whilst continuing to contribute to the UK’s vital security of energy supply.”
Further to this, StocExpo, the world’s leading bulk liquid storage event has announced that the focal point for the 2021 event in Antwerp will be ‘Women in Tanks’ to highlight the women working in the tank storage sector.
Rikki Bhachu, StocExpo senior marketing manager, says:
“This new addition to StocExpo will be packed with the most inspiring women in the industry, where every story and experience, every new initiative and talk is relevant and every piece of advice another crack in the glass ceiling.”
We look forward to seeing where these new initiatives lead, and to reporting further on diversity in the industry in Fuel Oil News in print and online. What is your opinion on, or experience of, diversity in the sector? Let us know your thoughts.