FDM Group shortlisted as Company of the Year for commitment to equality in Europe

Aug. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Leading IT employer, FDM Group, has been shortlisted as Company of the Year in the European Diversity Awards 2014.

FDM has been shortlisted alongside prestigious organisations including, Royal Air Force, Phillips and Volvo Group.

Widely known as the "Oscars of Diversity", the European Diversity Awards received hundreds ofnominations from countries across Europe.

Now in its fourth year, the European Diversity Awards recognise companies with a long-term commitment to equality and have demonstrated progress towards diversity. FDM is dedicated to driving inclusion through both its women in IT and ex-Forces initiatives to create a balanced workforce, not just in Europe, but also internationally.

Of this achievement, FDM CEO Rod Flavell commented, “This is the first award we have been shortlisted for as a result of both our Ex-Forces Programme and Women in IT initiative combined, and is testament to our commitment in driving diversity. To be shortlisted for an award on this scale demonstrates the importance Europe places on facilitating career progression for under-represented groups and our position as a front-runner in the field".

Judged by a 16-strong panel led by Anthony Watson, CIO for Nike, the prestigious awards call for excellence in areas of gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, race, culture and religion across Europe.

Encouraging women in IT is a message FDM has strongly supported since the launch of its Women in IT campaign in 2011. As a result of its campaign, the company has achieved a 25% female workforce - well above the UK national IT sector average of 17%. Furthermore, 50% of the senior management team is made up of women. The company also offers a support and mentoring network for employees seeking to succeed in the traditionally male-dominated sector.

Aiding the career transition of those leaving the Armed Forces and entering the corporate world is a venture FDM has been passionate about since the inception of its Ex-Forces Programme earlier this year. Led by an ex-Forces team, the programme provides award-winning IT and business training followed by commercial experience for at least two years. By acknowledging the transferable skills ex-Forces personnel can bring to the workforce, FDM is leading the way at a time when Prince Charles has publically vocalised the importance of such skills, including "loyalty, integrity and teamwork".

FDM COO and Global Female Champion Sheila Flavall said, “I am proud to be part of an organisation that celebrates and recognises the value of a diverse workforce. Being shortlisted for a European Diversity Award is a fantastic accolade that acknowledges our work for women in IT and the ex-Forces community across Europe".

The awards ceremony will be held on 2nd October at London's National History Museum.