Creating confidence

High Wycombe North delivery office manager, Nicola Mcclelland joined Royal Mail in 1999 as a graduate. Today, she tells us about the various initiatives she’s put in place to help support the women in her unit

‘I have been in my present role for the last four years and I’m currently in charge of 120 OPGs and two line managers, covering the postcodes HP11, HP13 and HP15.

‘There are 11 postwomen in my team, making up 12% of my staff. Many of them are new to the business and the majority have joined the office since I’ve been in charge.

‘One of the initiatives I’ve rolled out within my unit is the “Women in Delivery” questionnaire, which is aimed at understanding the challenges women face in the business, and particularly in Delivery, so that we can work on retaining more of our female colleagues.

‘I have also put free sanitary products in the ladies’ toilets and emphasised the fact that every walk needs to have a suitable toilet location included. It’s really important that our postwomen know where to go if they need the loo and I make sure that this is discussed between workplace coaches and female colleagues who are joining the business.

‘I’ve also ensured that the opportunities available through Springboard, our women’s development programme for non-managers, are promoted in High Wycombe. It’s so satisfying to see how the two women in my team, who I’ve supported through Springboard, have grown in confidence and are now able to explore new opportunities for career progression. One member of my team now feels confident enough to attend our First Aid competition, which is something we’re both really excited about.

‘It’s vital that everyone at High Wycombe, and indeed, the business, feels included. Two of my team recently attended the Pride event in Cardiff and personally, I really feel that I’ve benefitted from supporting them as the commitment I have from them is simply, outstanding.’

Helping our women fulfil their potential

Our Springboard development programme for female non-managers encourages women to establish their goals and values, supporting their career aspirations.

We have also introduced Connect, an online mentoring programme designed to support career development by helping female colleagues connect with each other and build effective mentoring relationships.

In collaboration with the Parents & Carers steering group, we are committed to supporting new parents in our workplace, and as a proud member of Working Forward, sharing best practice to ensure colleaguess have the most positive experience around maternity and paternity.

To contact the Women's steering group, please email: gender.diversity@royalmail.com.