Welcome to VERCIDA website.

Skip to main content
Enable Recite to make this website accessible

Defence Infrastructure Organisation - Striving for equality for all

Category: Gender (Equality & Identity)

Gender Focus.

Jacqui Rock, DIO's Commercial Director visit to Gibraltar [Crown Copyright/MOD2019]

In March the world celebrated International Women’s Day and this year’s theme “Each for Equal” prompted us to consider the difference between gender balance and gender equality. For us, gender balance is about the number of men and the number of women. Gender equality on the other hand, is about the way people treat each other and the experience we all have working together. In a gender equal workplace, everyone - regardless of gender - has equal rights, responsibilities and access to resources. Gender equality is the goal, and gender balance sets the stage to achieve it.

As females in the often-male dominated industries of infrastructure and construction, we get asked how we have managed and thrived in such environments. Throughout our careers, we have appreciated the importance of our networks, mentors and coaches. Working in defence and the civil service gives us access to a range of forums and networks and we urge you to take advantage of these. The most important thing though, is to be ourselves and be authentic. Be confident knowing that your skills transcend gender. Don’t feel obliged to act in a different way - it’s exhausting, counterproductive and unnecessary!

There have been many times where we have found ourselves as “the only woman in the team.” We’ve called it out – remove the elephant in the room so you all can move on and work together. Often, men are just as disappointed with the lack of gender diversity and welcome the opportunity to change it. Don’t be afraid to be the catalyst for change.

Kate Harrison, DIO's Director for Finance is part of the Executive

Committee at DIO [Crown Copyright/MOD2019]

Within DIO, the executive committee has a rounded approach to working through challenges together. Each member, male or female, brings a different perspective and we challenge ourselves to reach the right outcome. We all have equal seats at the table and equal voices. We understand what each member brings to the team and appreciate the diverse set of skills and experiences. We have achieved gender balance and gender equality. We are setting a positive tone for diversity in the workplace.

Across defence, we have made positive strides towards gender balance and gender equality. We should celebrate this. The Women in Defence UK Awards recognise the extraordinary achievements of women in the defence enterprise and the men and women striving for gender equality. Please consider nominating your colleagues for these awards.

We are firm believers that we achieve more when we work together with others. We believe that it is about being collective. We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets can have an impact on the larger society. Collectively, we can make change happen and  help each other to create a gender equal world. #EachforEqual

Vercida logo

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please email [email protected] for more information.

Learn more about this employer

Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Inclusive features

  • No matching inclusive features
Government, Politics, EU Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Thank you for registering on VERCIDA - the leading job site for companies that are passionate about diversity and inclusion.

  • Check out our client profiles to get the latest on their DE&I credentials
  • Look out for client benefits next to all our job specs
  • Sign up for job alerts to keep up to date on new roles as they come in
  • Search 1000s of roles from the biggest brands

Please proceed to the next step. If you are unable to complete the next stage of application please use the contact form HERE.

You will receive an email with link to reset your password.

Enter your new password