Understanding Equality and Equity in the workplace

Read time: 14 min

At Version 1, we believe that the first step to achieving equity and equality in the workplace is acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges that women face. While equality means treating everyone the same or equally regardless of their differences, equity acknowledges and accounts for the varying needs and experiences of individuals and treats everyone fairly. 

This International Women’s Day we pledge to go above and beyond to #EmbraceEquity in the workplace by creating a supporting and empowering culture for all our women. We strongly believe that diversity and inclusion empower people to build strong organisations and drive customer success, which forms the very core of Version 1. 

Image is graphic design showcasing equality as distribution of equal resources to all, and equity as distributing resources to all based on their unique needs, circumstances, and positions.

What it means to be a woman in tech at Version 1?

“For me, being a woman in tech at Version 1 means having representation and a voice. Having a WiT group raises our profiles and helps generate a higher level of diversity, inclusion, and comradery at Version 1.”
– Nazli Singh, Associate AWS DevOps Engineer

“I feel empowered to make decisions, develop my skills whilst learning new skills, and feel part of a great team of like-minded people. Version 1 encourages people to be themselves and “bring their difference”. Our Women in Tech network is a friendly group of inspirational women who help, empower, and encourage each other to be the best we can be.”
– Marion Cummins, Bid, and Proposals Manager

”Being a black woman and surrounded by the best team and company makes me feel so special ”
–  Iness Lunga, Application Support Analyst

“Being a woman in tech for me means learning to adapt to constant change by achieving strong relations with my amazing teammates.  To show off my accomplishments and feel appreciated.  To mentor my teammates to help them grow and develop and to also learn from them. Achieving my work-life balance and having support when it’s needed.”
– Paulette Pinkerton, Office, and Facilities Manager

“Is to be a tangible representation of women like me. To be a great example for my daughters so they can believe that every opportunity is a valid and real choice.”
– Gillian Hickey, Associate Consultant

‘’Did I make a wrong decision to be a Woman in Tech? No, I’m right here at Version 1! I love being in the new world of Digital transformation which needs technology, creativity, and collaboration.’’
– Marguerite Clarke, Business Development Executive

‘’Successful female leaders everywhere you look. Many of them have hectic home responsibilities but absolutely thriving in their roles. Version 1 allows, supports, and encourages both.’’
– Lynne McGinn, Service Delivery Manager

Our Recognitions, Awards and Reports

We are immensely proud to have been named a Best Workplace™ for Women by the Great Place to Work ® Awards in the UK and Ireland. These awards are a testament to our commitment to fostering a workplace that has Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a part of all we do.

Further, we aim to ensure that all women in our workplace are treated fairly when it comes to pay, recognition, training, and promotion opportunities; where they can take the time off they need to attend to childcare or other family commitments; and where they feel encouraged, empowered and supported to do their best work.

Since 2018 we have been publishing our Gender Pay Gap Reports. These reports outline the difference between the average hourly rate of pay between male employees and female employees. It is part of our company core values, to be honest and maintain transparency. Every year we all come together to celebrate International Women’s Day, but it is what we do on the other 364 days that really count. I am proud of Version 1’s commitment to increasing our gender diversity, and ensuring that we provide the best support and guidance for women to grow and thrive in our organisation. Equality won’t happen overnight, but our work on equity for Women in Tech will continue to make a difference.
– Chloë Gillard  Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Manager

Our Women in Tech celebrations and events

Over the past year, our Women in Tech network with over 600 dedicated participants has hosted several events across the organisation. Some of our initiatives are: Women in Tech Fireside chat – New Year Improved Me, supporting Menopause in the Workplace, Galantine’s Day 2023, SistersIN workshop with 10 young women, supporting diverse events from Girls Who Code, School Reach Out, Women’s ReBook, and being part of the STEM Ambassador Programme.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 and #EmbracingEquity, we take pride in our Women in Tech achievements and most importantly plan for the future. Here are our 3 commitments: 

  1. 80% of our women participate will participate in one Women in Tech activity each year
  2. Empowering our WIT group across the organisation through initiatives and awards
  3. Increasing the number of women across our organisation in line with market insights 

We are currently hiring for various positions across locations, check out our open positions here.

Read more about Women at Version 1 here, and learn about our Environmental, Social and Governance commitments here.