Ipswich firm named one of UK's Best Workplaces for Women

Why it matters: Local businesses championing equality could help accelerate progress in reducing the country's gender pay gap, potentially helping attract and retain female talent in Ipswich.

The big picture: While the UK's gender pay gap is slowly narrowing, the national gender pay gap stands at 7.7% as of April 2023, falling by about a quarter over the last decade for full-time employees.

Key details:

• The DPO Centre is one of 330 organisations nationwide recognised for creating an inclusive workplace for women

• Founded in Ipswich in 2017, the DPO Centre  has grown to 64 employees, with 55% based at their Felaw Maltings office, and now services over 900 clients globally

What they're saying:

Lenitha Bishop, COO of the DPO Centre and a resident of Ipswich since 2004, said: "It's a real honour for our company to be included on the Best Workplaces for Women list. Our inclusive culture is a vital part of our success, and gender equality is an essential aspect of this. We want to empower women at every level of our organisation and offer opportunities for growth and leadership to all."

Rob Masson, the Suffok-born and raised founder and CEO of The DPO Centre, commented: "We are honoured to once again achieve Great Place to Work-Certified status. The results reflect the company's dedication to our #ONETEAM philosophy of collaboration and mutual support, as well as reaffirming our ongoing commitment to excellence in workplace standards."

Between the lines: While the gender pay gap measures average differences across all jobs rather than within specific roles, its persistence underscores the importance of companies like The DPO Centre in promoting workplace equality.

The bottom line: As the DPO Centre grows from its Ipswich base, its commitment to gender equality and high workplace standards sets an example for other local businesses.