Project Description

This page showcases the overview of the entry of a 2015 Peer Awards for Excellence finalist, which was judged at conference.
Winner of Innovation in the Nurturing Talent category and the Public Relations sector.

Interested in this year’s Peer Awards?
FINALIST: Lansons
Entry Title: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Nurturing Female Talent
Talk Title: How to Support and Nurture Female Talent
Category: Nurturing Talent (People & Performance)
Sector:
 
Public Relations
OVERVIEW
Championing women right from the start

Long before female quotas on boards became a political and media focus, Lansons was doing it and championing women. It’s been a no-brainer for 25 years.

As a result of a programme of mentoring, guidance, training and a policy of promoting first and recruiting second our company is now 77% female, with the leading award winning female talent in the industry.

The business impact is clear – we have one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry, which ensures as a business we save extensively on expensive recruitment fees.
 

IMPACT

 
Inspiring role models

Our company is 77% female, and our policy is to promote first and recruit second.

All 16 women on the Board have risen through the ranks of the agency, and their talent has been recognised and nurtured. This gives our female trainees and account executives the clear message that progression right to the top is absolutely attainable.

The positive effects of this strategy are clear – Lansons staff turnover is one of the lowest in the industry, approx 19%, compared to an industry average of 24%+. Most of our female staff also stay with us for the long-term.

 

INNOVATION

 
Our partnership structure bucks the corporate trend as it has always been written in the feminine.

When the consultancy was co-founded in 1989 by Clare Parsons and Tony Langham, our first five recruits were all women. In 1995 the shareholding was extended by inviting five women to become partners. The following year the founders invited five people to join them on the Board: all women. Today, 30 of our 36 partners are women, giving them insight into the ownership of a vibrant, growing business. Eight of our 10-strong management team and 16 of our 21-strong Board are women.

 

INSPIRATION

 
As a business, ensuring female talent is supported has had huge benefits which other organisations can follow.

Industry recognition: we are now PR Week’s Best Place to Work.

Our female staff are company ambassadors for life and this brings business benefits.

This year alone one of our female Account Directors has been named one of the top 30 PRs under 30 in the industry, and another is shortlisted for Young Communicator of the Year.

It is vital though that men are not alienated through this programme, as this can be a pitfall for businesses if they get it wrong.