The recognition, awarded by Great Place to Work, follows independent analysis of anonymous employee feedback and considers both women’s experience of the workplace and their representation throughout an organisation.
For a business with a significant presence in the traditionally male-dominated fuel distribution sector, the achievement also demonstrates the importance of a culture and working practices that enable women to develop and progress.
Headquartered in Brampton, Cumbria, WCF employs more than 370 people across more than 25 locations nationwide and operates businesses spanning a number of sectors.
Its fuel operations include WCF Chandlers, serving customers across the East Midlands and East Anglia; Easy Fuels (NE), which operates across the North East, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire; and Allan Stobart Lubricants & Fuels, serving areas including Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, Northumberland and south-west Scotland.
Representation and opportunity
Karen Kelso, WCF head of people strategy, said the recognition reflected a focus on representation at every level of the organisation, alongside flexible working, employee wellbeing and opportunities for development.
“Women are represented at all levels, including senior/executive leadership roles,” Karen said. “We’re committed to providing opportunities for colleagues to develop, progress and build rewarding careers with us.”
She added that flexible approaches to working are supported where operationally possible, together with learning and development opportunities and a strong focus on wellbeing.
Since the survey period, WCF has also introduced enhanced family-friendly policies and a menopause policy as the business continues to evolve in response to employee feedback.
“As an employee-owned business, we’re proud of the inclusive and supportive culture we’ve created,” Karen said. “We’re delighted to see that reflected in this recognition.”
Looking behind the accolade
The Best Workplaces for Women ranking is based predominantly on what women themselves report about their experience at work, with 85% of the assessment determined by their feedback and how fairly those experiences compare with those reported by men. The assessment also looks at the representation of women throughout the workforce relative to the organisation’s size and make-up.
The latest recognition follows WCF being named among the top 100 Best Workplaces for large businesses earlier this year.
The recognition also raises some broader questions for the industry: what makes women choose to build a career in fuel distribution, what helps them progress and what still needs to change? If you would like to share your own career path, experiences and perspectives with us, please contact Margaret Major, Fuel Oil News Managing Editor: margaret@fueloilnews.co.uk
Images provided by WCF