The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2025 can be found here.
The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality highlights employers who are committed to taking action to ensure gender equality in the workplace.
Three companies in the channel, providing products and services for and on behalf of resellers and MSPs are Atos, Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone, and below are some of the insights and comments.
Atos
Atos has been recognised for taking measurable action to improve gender equality throughout its business, from inclusive hiring and career progression programmes to employee networks and tailored policies that support women’s health and wellbeing.
Atos has launched STRIDE, a global initiative designed to accelerate the careers of women in tech, providing mid-career employees with specialist technical training and leadership development opportunities, alongside international peer networks. Atos has actioned closing the gender pay gap, achieving reductions of up to 8.2% across its business units. Policies supporting flexible working, carers, transgender inclusion, and menopause care have been introduced, with Atos also accredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer and a Disability Confident Employer.
Atos actively shapes the pipeline of future female talent, hosting workplace placements for girls, and mentoring students through its senior leadership team to inspire them to pursue careers in STEM. It has relaunched its Safe Haven Community, a confidential support network for employees experiencing domestic abuse.
Kieran Harding, Acting Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “The businesses that have made it into this year’s Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality demonstrates those that are holding fast to their values around equality. It is imperative for employers to eradicate gender inequality in the workplace, not only because it is the right thing to do, but it will also unlock economic benefits for businesses and ‘lift up’ the UK. While there is still much work to be done, the progress being made to ensure equal pay, career progression and offering enhanced flexible working and family friendly policies shows that we’re on the right path.”
Kat Hopkins, Head of HR UK&I, Atos Group, commented, “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s top employers for gender equality. This reflects the practical steps we’re taking to build a fairer, more inclusive workplace, from supporting career progression for women in tech to addressing the gender pay gap. There’s always more to do, but this is an important milestone in our journey.”
Virgin Media O2
Virgin Media O2’s Nisha Marwaha, Director of People Relations and DE&I at Virgin Media O2, said:
“We’re proud that Virgin Media O2 has been recognised as one of The Times’s Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality. We’re committed to building a more inclusive and equitable company. As part of our diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy, All In, we’re working to increase the representation of women across the organisation by the end of 2027.”
Nisha Marwaha continued, “In addition, our best-in-class leave policies—such as enhanced maternity and adoption leave, paid neonatal and carer’s leave, and dedicated healthcare support for women experiencing menopause—are helping us attract, retain, and support women at every stage of their careers. We’re focused on creating a culture where all our female employees can thrive, and we’ll continue to build on the progress we’ve made.”
Vodafone
Entry into The Times Top 50 took place prior to the completion of the VodafoneThree merger.
Vodafone’s long-standing UK Gender Equality Network brings together employees who are passionate about championing diversity. Over the past year, the network has hosted various events that provide a safe space for colleagues to share experiences, discuss challenges, and hear from panels made up of both their peers and external guest speakers. Beyond the network, Vodafone further supports its people through every stage of life – from navigating fertility journeys to managing menopause, and has trained some staff to be CPD-accredited MenoHealth First Aiders.
Vodafone launched a Fertility Support Hub in 2024, before becoming the first company in the telco industry to receive Fertility Friendly Accreditation, and for non-birthing parents and secondary carers, the company offers 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally for employees there is the option to return for 80% of their hours, at 100% of their pay, benefits and holiday, for the first six months following family-related leave.
In support of domestic abuse survivors, Vodafone offers a comprehensive package that includes up to 10 days of additional paid leave for medical appointments, legal proceedings or other urgent needs. There is also internal support available, such as flexible working arrangements.
In recognition of the broader societal role that mobile technology plays in protecting women, Vodafone is involved in external initiatives too, such as Bright Sky app, which provides discreet access to local support services, safety planning tools and more.
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, said: “Being recognised once again in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is a powerful reflection of the culture Vodafone UK has built over time. With VodafoneThree, we have a unique opportunity to combine the best of both businesses and shape a workplace where inclusion is embedded in every action and decision.”
Kieran Harding, Acting Chief Executive, Business in the Community, said: “It is imperative for employers to eradicate gender inequality in the workplace, not only because it is the right thing to do, but it will also unlock economic benefits for businesses and ‘lift up’ the UK. While there is still much work to be done, the progress being made to ensure equal pay, career progression and offering enhanced flexible working and family friendly policies shows that we’re on the right path.”
