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Today marks International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” resonates deeply at GMS, where women make up over 48% of our workforce.

We had the privilege of speaking with some remarkable women here at GMS to understand their perspectives on the significance of celebrating International Women’s Day. From breaking barriers to instigating meaningful change, their stories emphasise why investing in women is not just a choice but an essential driver of progress.

Read on to hear from some of the women at GMS as they share their insights, highlighting the integral role women play in propelling us toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.

 

“I firmly believe that celebrating International Women’s Day is not just a recognition of our achievements but a collective acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions women make in every area of our organisation. It’s a reminder that diversity is our strength, and by honouring and empowering women, we spark progress, innovation, and a more inclusive future for all.”

Kaye Law Fox – Chair

 

 

 

“This year’s IWD theme of investing in women to accelerate progress is a great one! Promoting apprenticeships across a range of technical disciplines, developing people management skills and providing a wide range of well-being support including menopause, are just a few examples of how GMS/GHFT are committed to investing in their female workforce.”

Rebecca Pritchard – Non-Executive Director

 

 

 

“GMS is proud to have an increasing number of women as part of the Capital team to manage and deliver some of our exciting and essential projects on behalf of GHFT. Women bring different skills and perspectives to construction and compliment the male skills that we have on our team and so we all benefit.”

Elizabeth Devas – Head of Capital

 

 

“Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams. – Hillary Clinton”

Samantha Campbell – Capital Project Manager

 

“Every day I encounter women working in traditionally male dominated professions, my own included. I never cease to be inspired by the strength, resilience, perseverance and drive exhibited by them. I take immense satisfaction by breaking stereotypical gender roles, there’s nothing quite like seeing the look on someone’s face when they see you driving a large van, using power tools or being in a position of authority over a workforce.

“When I first started at GMS it was with some trepidation being the Manager of a group of men but they have all been extremely welcoming and the fact that a younger, smaller blonde woman has been their Manager has never been an issue.”

Laura Phillips – Grounds Manager

 

 

 

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? – Mary Oliver.”

Alison Wilmshurst – Energy Manager

 

 

 

 

“I’m probably known for my saying of ‘If in doubt do nowt as you may need extra time to think how the game is going to play out!’ Not really a poet but it’s a saying that’s stuck with me and many a time when you bash out an email because something or someone has pushed your patience its better to walk away from that email than just send in haste.”

Rebecca Budd – Associate Human Resource Business Partner

 

 

 

 

“Behind every great woman….is another great woman.”

Kelly White – Executive Assistant to Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

“You will always miss 100% of the chances that you don’t take.

“Don’t let yourself be the barrier to your own success”

Laurana Milliner – Cheltenham Section Manager (Medical Engineering) & GSSD

 

 

“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on it’s own wings. Always believe in yourself – Unknown”

Penny Bickerstaff – Workforce Officer

 

 

“I am loving working at GMS with all the warm and welcoming people in the various departments.”

‘A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everyone else’

Joy Lee – Project Communications Officer

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