The result and accreditation is based on what women themselves have anonymously reported about their workplace experience and how well represented they are in the workforce and at management levels. 

Sue Kamal, People Director at Realise, said: “It’s great to be recognised for the cultural change we’ve achieved. Women are very well represented and supported at all levels in Realise, right through to the Board which is chaired by a woman. We’re thrilled to have been recognised as the No.1 Large Workplace for Women. However, there’s still more we can do. 

“We place a huge emphasis on giving all our employees the same opportunity to develop and grow. We want all our people to feel comfortable to bring their true self to work and to be able to manage the many challenges of life outside work with their life inside work.” 

Kairon Flowers, Head of Sector at Realise, said: “I have received amazing career development at Realise. I started as an apprentice and now I’m running one of the largest sectors of the business with a team of 35 people.” 

More than 70 per cent of Realise’s 343 employees are female and a wide range of benefits and initiatives are in place, from flexible and virtual working arrangements to support with the menopause. The company’s extensive wellbeing and mental health support has also been recognised with Realise being placed 6th on the Great Place to Work for Wellbeing List 2022.  

Sue added: “At Realise you don’t need to make an excuse about leaving early to pick your kids up. People feel comfortable to be honest about the things they are juggling in their personal lives. We have a high performing workforce who are professional enough to ensure their work gets done, so we give people flexibility in how they do that. 

“As one of the largest providers of apprenticeships and adult education in England, we train over 7,000 people a year. It’s vital that we support our people well so they, in turn, can fully support people that learn with us.”