LeasePlan have announced that 12 of its female employees will be sent on a “once in a lifetime” expedition to the Arctic next April, as part of their programme to “encourage diversity and boost opportunities for women”.
The 100 kilometre ski-trek – dubbed the “LeasePlan Women’s Arctic Challenge” – will take place on the Arctic Circle’s Baffin Island and last eighteen days.
Temperatures during the adventure are expected to be in the region of -20C and will be led by Debra Searle MVO MBE, who is a professional adventurer, co-chair of the Women’s Business Networks Forum and also a gender equality advocate.
The project is aiming to raise awareness and oppose gender bias within the industry as well as within the company itself. LeasePlan are keen to put the career development of their female employees at the forefront of their commercial agenda, with over 53 percent being women.
LeasePlan Diversity programme
LeasePlan, who have an Investors in People GOLD rating, launched their Diversity Programme earlier this year.
All employees took part in workshops to highlight and educate them about the benefits of a diverse workforce to an organisation and its employees.
Director of HR, Steve Moss, who instigated the initiative, said: “It is clear that the financial services and motor industries lack female voices in boardrooms yet studies have shown that companies with female board members pay more attention to risk and are more financially successful.
“The LeasePlan Women’s Arctic Challenge sets the tone by giving twelve of our female employees an inspiring experience that we sincerely believe will enhance their lives, both personally and professionally.”
Debra Searle said: “Tapping in to the research on gender equality it is clear that women’s lack of confidence can be a major hindrance to progression.
“For many of the 87 women who applied, putting themselves forward for selection was, in itself, a huge challenge and they have gained self-awareness along the way.
“The LeasePlan Women’s Arctic Challenge is an opportunity for 12 ordinary women to do something truly extraordinary. The team will be forced to push itself to the limit, both physically and mentally and I have no doubt that they will return more confident and courageous as a result.”
Arctic Challenge final team
- Anisha Vaja – Junior Credit Risk Analyst
- Carrie Knox – Account Manager LeasePlan
- Charlotte Edney – Fleet Services Executive LeasePlan
- Ella Petch-Stewart – Account Manager LeasePlan Go
- Joanna Miles – Head of Customer Experience
- Kimberley Day – Account Manager Network
- Leela Bassi – International
- Louise Goodall – IT
- Melanie Sanghani – Operations and Service
- Rebecca Whittaker – Marketing Automotive Leasing
- Samantha Carlin – Commercial Solicitor Finance
- Viv Bowra – Learning and Development Manager
- Emma Virgo (reserve) – Data Analyst
- Janine Hamblin (reserve) – Client Services
- Sue Cashmore-Thorley (reserve) – Head of Fleet Services
