NATS makes commitment to gender diversity within aviation

The Charter commits organisations to supporting the progression of women into senior roles in the aviation and aerospace sectors by focusing on the executive pipeline and the mid-tier level. It recognises the diversity of the sector and that organisations will have different starting points – each organisation should therefore set its own targets, where appropriate, and implement the right strategy for their organisation. Furthermore, it requires organisations to report progress to deliver against internal targets to support the transparency and accountability needed to drive change. 

The charter, which is supported by the Department for Transport, represents NATS’ commitment to increasing gender balance within the organisation, including:

• Having one member of the senior executive team who is responsible and accountable for gender diversity and inclusion
• Setting internal targets, where appropriate, for gender diversity in senior management
• Publishing progress annually against any targets in reports on NATS website
• Having an intention to ensure the pay of the senior executive team is linked to delivery against any internal targets on gender diversity and inclusion. 

Julie Elder, HR & Corporate Services Director, said: “NATS recognises how important having a balanced workforce is for business – especially in the aviation and aerospace sectors – so we are extremely proud to have signed the Charter. By 2020 our aim is to increase the proportion of women in our organisation and in management roles. There is much more that we, and other organisations like us, must do to encourage and support women in pursuing STEM related careers – and signing this Charter is a great way to prove our commitment to achieve this.”

As well as hosting an annual Bring Your Daughter to Work Day event, NATS encourages people from all walks of life, regardless of gender, to consider a career in aviation by raising awareness at various careers fairs and air shows around the country.