Teesside University has been shortlisted for an award in the Northern Power Women campaign which showcases people and organisations working to achieve gender balance.
Professor Jane Turner, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) was nominated for her work in championing a wide range of measures introduced at the University to ensure all staff and students work in a fair and supportive environment.
The University has been shortlisted in the Large Business category thanks to Professor Turner who was nominated by Newcastle Entrepreneur Ammar Mirza CBE who supports business and enterprise in the North as well contributing to charity and community life.
Northern Power Women encourages the transformation of business culture to increase opportunities for women in business and showcase role models and best practice which is leading to economic growth.
The organisation works with both women and men to work towards gender pay equality, equal opportunities, providing role models and celebrating businesses that continue to strive to achieve this.
Professor Turner said: “Empowering individuals and embracing diversity are underpinning values of the University and manifest in our behaviours and actions. To ensure their embodiment, the University has undertaken a significant amount of work and implemented a wide range of measures to ensure that all staff and students work in a fair and supportive environment.”
Ammar Mirza CBE, Founder and Chair of Asian Business Connexions, who nominated Jane, said: “The Northern Power Women Awards aim to showcase inspirational and motivational role models within the business community. Leaders that have made a significant and sustained difference through equality and inclusion, working with all members of the community helping them realise and raise their ambitions and aspirations. There is no doubt that Jane typifies these attributes and I am proud that Jane has justifiably been shortlisted for these prestigious awards.”
Professor Turner also works informally with staff and students across the University to promote gender equality, encouraging colleagues to become involved.
The University has put in place a wide range of measures including mandatory equality and diversity training, regular monitoring of staff recruitment processes to identify any specific blocks to diverse appointments, and an Academic Leadership Programme (ALP) which includes action learning and individual coaching support, giving participants the opportunity to focus on their own career development challenges.
This year heralds the second Northern Power Women Awards which take place on 7 March in Manchester.
Professor Turner added: “I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for this award. As an executive coach of 17 years, I have worked with many senior women who suffer from a distinct lack of self-confidence and have become ‘stuck’ in their careers and lives. As a result of this experience, I have become highly sensitised to women in this place. This award would enable me to further legitimise my responsibility, which I perceive as being to identify and build the female talent that resides within the organisation, in both staff and students.”
Founder of Northern Power Women, Simone Roche, added: “We are delighted to see a wonderful array of organisations and individuals for the second Northern Power Women awards. It’s so important to celebrate the success of our great northern organisations and individuals – all are great role models. We wish all the shortlisted the very best of luck.”