International Women’s Day is a valuable moment to step back and look at the bigger picture, including the progress being made in a sector where women are still underrepresented.
For the Port of Milford Haven, last year brought a milestone we are proud of. We were named one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women, recognised in the top 100 among 350 ranked organisations. The list is based on employee feedback gathered by Great Place To Work® UK and highlights employers creating inclusive, equitable workplaces where women can thrive.
This recognition matters because it is shaped by employee feedback. It reflects day-to-day experience and whether our culture feels inclusive, equitable and supportive in practice, not just on paper.
The Port relies on teamwork. Every day, colleagues across the Port contribute to the same outcome, a port that operates safely and responsibly.
Today, more than 31% of our employees are women, a figure we are proud of and one we are committed to building on. Progress is also reflected in leadership, with women holding 40% of mid-management roles and 43% of senior management and board positions.
These figures represent many individual journeys across different teams and career paths, and they reflect a growing movement to ensure women can thrive and lead at every level.
The Port is a particularly exciting place to work. We have a wide range of projects currently being delivered, many of which are helping to create meaningful change for our colleagues, while also demonstrating our commitment to the service we provide to our customers and the wider community.
During my time here, I’ve been fortunate to work with a diverse group of talented and supportive women. I’m inspired daily by the incredible accomplished, capable and dedicated women from across the business, including those within the project team whose guidance continues to shape my own development.
I’m delighted to have recently been promoted to Project Manager, having previously worked as a Project Coordinator. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Port’s projects and objectives and being part of positive progress.
Employee feedback from the Great Place To Work® survey highlighted practical, everyday factors that influence whether people can build and sustain a career here. Themes included a strong safety culture, wellbeing and social initiatives, positive action to support an inclusive working environment, good work-life balance, and enhanced maternity and family-friendly policies.
Much of this work happens quietly, without big announcements. Often it is the incremental improvements that add up over time, including changes to facilities, working practices and the support available to remove friction and help people thrive.
Back in 2013, the Port supported and funded my application to join CILEx and obtain the Level 6 Diploma in Legal Practice, specifically in the areas of Property Law and Practice and Employment Law and Practice.
By the Port investing in my development, I successfully completed the course and over time started preparing the majority of short term leases in house.
The development and investment allowed me to grow my knowledge and interest in the organisation, and to look at my position as a career rather than just a job.
This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme is "Give to Gain". It reminds us that progress grows when we give generously through our time, mentoring, education, training, advocacy and visibility.
At the Port, we put people first. We do this through clear development pathways, family-friendly policies, a wellbeing culture you can feel, and support that helps colleagues progress.
Early on in my career the Port invested in myself through sponsorship of my degree in Construction Management & Sustainable Technology.
Offering me the opportunity to work full time alongside my education allowed me to apply the theory first hand to real life scenarios, accelerating my career from apprentice to project manager over a short period of time.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women and focus on the actions that create more equal opportunities.
One way we are doing that is through our partnership with SPARC, a local initiative that promotes gender diversity across sustainable power, renewables and construction, where women are still underrepresented. Through this partnership, we have already reached over 170 female learners aged 12 to 13, helping spark interest in energy careers and showing what opportunities exist locally. It is one of the most practical ways to create change by broadening awareness early and helping more young people see a future for themselves in the sector.
International Women’s Day reminds us that creating an inclusive workplace is not a single initiative, but a long term commitment.
Our recognition as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women reflects the genuine experiences of our colleagues and reinforces the culture we work hard to build. We are proud of the progress so far, and we remain focused on ensuring women can develop, lead and build rewarding careers across the Port.