Women & Work; Moving Forward into 2011, We need your help!!

While more than 40% of customers in the automotive sector are female, they make up only 20% of the workforce.  Steps are being taken by the IMI to address this issue and we have been actively involved in the Women and Work initiative. 

The initiative was introduced as part of the Governments response to the Women and Work Commissions report published in February 2006.  It has attracted £10 million of funding over four years with the aim to address the gender imbalances in the labour market by supporting women in sectors and occupations where they are underrepresented and where specific skill shortages exist.

The IMI are currently delivering the fourth year of the project and in order for funding of this project to have a strong chance of continuing beyond March 2011 it is important that we start to heighten the awareness amongst local MPs and central Government about the difference and impact this funding has had on our industry, on your business and for the individuals who took part. 

If you have previously participated in the Women & Work initiative then we would like to ask for your support in helping us lobby Government for the continuation of funding by writing or emailing your support in favour of the project.  If you have or know of any great success stories or can articulate how the project has helped develop you or the organisation you work for we would welcome your support.

Please click here for some example case study questions that may help with the types of information we would like to receive.

With the current changes upon us in terms of funding cuts we kindly request that responses are received by the end of July.

Please do contact Nicola Hayes on 01992 511 521 or at nicolah@motor.org.uk if you have any queries and of course if you would like to participate in the scheme we still have places available so please do get in touch..

 Thank you for your assistance.

What is Women & Work?

Women and Work is now in its fourth phase, following the success of the past three phases.The scheme is designed to encourage employers like you to take advantage of the opportunity to receive funding towards the cost of developing the skills of women in our industry and for the good of your business. Less than 20% of the retail motor industry’s workforce is female. The sector needs to develop a more diverse workforce which will improve the industry as a whole.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has put in place this flexible programme for employers to take advantage of this opportunity.

Please click on the icon to watch a short video which focuses on Women & Work. Watch interviews with women regarding how easy it is to get ahead in the industry and their recommendation to anyone considering a career in the motor industry.

How employers benefit

Applicable to women working in England, Women & Work offers:

• Funding

Employers need to spend a minimum of £1000 for a funding grant of £400 per participant.
The IMI is alo piloting an 'At Risk of Redundancy Package' for women who are at risk or in notice of redundancy.

• Improved staff development and loyalty

Giving female employees the opportunity to progress in their careers and exercise their management potential.

• Improved performance

Businesses with a diverse workforce are more likely to be innovative and creative, developing new and effective ways of increasing profitability.

• Improved recruitment and customer service

Over 40% of the retail motor industry’s customers are women, but this is not currently reflected in the workforce. A male dominated business is restricting its potential.

To qualify

To qualify, employers must:

• Ensure women registered on the programme have a personal development plan. This can include as many programmes, courses or development activities as an individual needs.

• Match the funding given, which could be in the time you give women to complete the development plan and in your support of the programme.

How to get involved

Just follow the steps below to find out how easy it is to get Women & Work helping your business.

To download forms please use the following links:

Document Guidance

Registration Template (Expression of Interest)

Step 1

Contact Nicola Hayes at the IMI on 01992 511521 or email nicolah@motor.org.uk to find out more about the Women & Work initiative or to arrange for an IMI representative to visit.

Step 2 

Complete an ‘Expression of Interest’ form and return it to Nicola at nicolah@motor.org.uk, or directly to the IMI at The IMI, Fanshaws, Brickendon, Hertford SG13 8PQ.

Identify eligible participants in your workplace, as well as potential providers and/or sources of training development activities.

We will work alongside you to complete all the documents required to apply for co-funding, which cover:

• Employer Registration
• Participant Details and Declaration Form
• Development Planning
• Training Plan & Evaluation*

* At this stage you will need to send an invoice to us, along with your completed evaluation document, and name of participant, to cover the costs of their training (up to a maximum of £400 per participant).


N.B. All training must be completed and invoices received by 28 February, 2011.