Vote 100

We’ve had an amazing response to our Vote 100 campaign so far so please keep your nominations coming in. Over the next few months we will continue to profile 100 female colleagues who embody our values and demonstrate how Royal Mail can be a fantastic place for women to excel.

This week we profile head of fleet operation, Debbie Rivers.

Sally Warren, head of fleet maintenance, said: ‘In Royal Mail Fleet we have very few female technicians. Debbie has worked tirelessly to support our apprentice programme in order to encourage a more diverse workforce.

‘She attends the industry events to encourage applicants to the scheme, supports the assessments and takes a lead in coaching apprentices once they join Royal Mail - all this on top of her day job. Debbie has also set up a group for the female apprentices on the scheme to ensure they are fully supported.’

Debbie was recently recognised as a finalist in the 2018 Freight Transport Association (FTA) everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. Now in their eleventh year, the awards programme celebrates the achievements of phenomenal women reshaping the UK’s transport and logistics industry.

‘It’s such a lovely surprise to be nominated among such a wonderful group of successful women in the business,’ said Debbie.

‘I’ve loved supporting the Fleet apprentice scheme in Royal Mail, especially encouraging and promoting the role of female technicians in the workplace. This has been from simply ensuring there are good facilities to use in our workshops to promoting and developing the skill sets that our female apprentice and technicians have, giving them the confidence to keep striving for the role they aspire to. Fleet lead by example and now have a 50/50 split of men and women on the senior leadership team.

‘When I was nominated, I was the regional fleet maintenance manager for the west but in my new role I’ve not strayed too far from workshops - Me new job brings with it more opportunities to promote and encourage the role of women in our function.

‘It was a great privilege to be recognised as an Industry Champion at the FTA Women in Logistics Awards, and by building on the inspiring journeys of colleagues within the Logistics industry, I’m working with colleagues to help us take the role of women in our industry to the next level.
‘With our own version of Springboard currently in the design phase, I think this is an exciting time for us all to recognise and value the key skills and attributes we can have in any workplace.’

Vote 100

Our Vote 100 campaign is your chance to help us showcase the enormous contribution Royal Mail women make each and every day both to colleagues and customers, ensuring we remain the UK’s most trusted postal operator.

If there is someone in your workplace who you admire for their outstanding work ethic, their drive to improve their own and others’ skills, their knack for supporting or mentoring others, showing kindness, overcoming obstacles, or influencing positive behaviour – we want to hear from you!

Please send your name and contact details plus the name of the colleague you wish to nominate to either vote100@royalmail.com or Freepost VOTE 100. We will then be in touch to obtain further details.