TLT named a Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality by The Times

The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is run by Business in the Community (BITC), The King’s Responsible Business Network. Now in its fifteenth year, it is the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established list of employers taking action and making gender equality part of their business strategy at all levels.

TLT’s inclusion in the list recognises the action TLT has taken in addressing gender inequalities at all levels of the firm, through market-leading initiatives such as a flexible working policy, and enhanced family leave support programme, and inclusive leadership training.

Milestone results have followed the introduction of these initiatives including achieving 33% female representation at partner level two years ahead of target, setting fresh ambitions to achieve 50% female representation at partner level by 2029, and being recognised as one of the UK’s top 30 family-friendly employers by Working Families. The firm also recently announced two new partnerships including becoming Founding Partners of Family Friendly Workplaces and one of the first law firms in the UK to join an initiative spearheaded by leading Women’s Health Charity ‘Wellbeing of Women’, helping the firm to deliver on its commitments to creating a more inclusive workforce.

TLT has also reported improved gender balance across pay quartiles with fewer female representation in the lower and middle pay quartiles and higher female representation in higher pay quartiles. These positive results showcase the progress TLT has made in closing the gap between male and female representation within the upper pay quartiles and improving gender diversity at all levels of the firm.

Successes in addressing gender inequalities have, in part, been attributed to its pioneering Gender Strategy centred on improving female representation in senior roles, flexible working and being committed to creating a people-first culture. The strategy was introduced in 2019 in partnership with the firm’s Women’s Equality Network – one of TLT’s founding networks that aims to empower women to achieve their full potential and drive gender diversity at all levels in the firm.

TLT’s achievements are underpinned by its robust and comprehensive governance, including a taskforce who monitor progress of diversity. The taskforce is made up of Managing Partner John Wood, Head of Future Energy and Real Estate Maria Connolly, Chief People Officer Helen Hodgkinson, and Partner and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion Esther Smith.

Helen Hodgkinson, Chief People Officer at TLT said: “TLT’s inclusion in the prestigious The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list for the third consecutive year, places us well above any other law firm in the country when it comes to improving gender equality.

“In 2024 we pledged to see 50% of partner roles filled by women by 2029, and we are well on our way to achieving that milestone. At TLT we see a world of opportunity for everyone who works for us. We are committed to supporting those with caring responsibilities to ensure they are given opportunities to thrive in the workplace.

“At TLT we have an ambition to be valued for our values with our people-first culture setting the pace in the legal sector. I’m extremely proud of everything we are achieving. Thank you to everyone who has helped us achieve this milestone once again.”

Kieran Harding, Acting Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “The businesses that have achieved Top 50 status in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality this year have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to championing gender equality as a priority for their organisation.

“Now, more than ever, employers must continue to take action on gender equality creating workplaces where employees reach their true potential. Success in a changing and volatile world demands diverse, inclusive organisations where all can contribute and thrive. Progress on gender equality isn’t just ‘good for women’ and wider society, it’s vital for business and its bottom line.

“Congratulations to the businesses that have made the list this year. I encourage every business to continue working hard on gender equality and to work with Business in the Community to inspire and challenge others to make progress too.”

For more information about the awards, please visit: The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality - Business in the Community