Stonegate Pub Company has launched a new female mentoring programme to further increase the representation of women in leadership roles across the business.
When looking at the male/female split in job roles, the company found a number of areas where there appeared to be barriers to progression. Research was undertaken and some common issues seemed to be hindering progress, including self-confidence and self-belief, preventing women from progressing into more senior roles. To address this, Stonegate has partnered 31 high-performing females within head office and sites, with a mix of senior executives across departments.
A comprehensive support programme for both mentors and mentees has been put in place to ensure the best chance of success, as the teams meet regularly to share experiences and discuss opportunities. The agenda for each session is set by the mentee and at the end of it, a number of clear actions and goals will be agreed. The partnership will conclude once the mentee’s needs have been met. A full review will then take place to assess the values and benefits, before being incorporated into the wider Albert’s career development programme.
Success Coach for Stonegate, Jon Perkins, said: “The introduction of the Female Mentoring Scheme reinforces Stonegate’s commitment to offer the bar to boardroom career pathway to all employees, ensuring females within the business are equipped with the confidence, knowledge and support to progress and be the best they can be.
“Our first cohort includes mentors from the board, executive and leadership team who will work with a females from a mix of roles and disciplines within the business.”
Stonegate Managing Director, Helen Charlesworth, was recognised as a ‘Woman to Watch’ in the 2019 Hospitality Travel & Leisure Index. Speaking about her role as a mentor, she said: “As one of three women on Stonegate’s executive board, I am delighted to be part of the Female Mentoring Scheme which will enable women to feel more empowered within the business. I have been given help and support throughout my career and I believe it’s important to give back and leave a legacy for the future.”
Stephanie Robinson, General Manager of the Bridge Tap, Borough High Street, who is participating in the programme, said, “I am really excited to be part of the first cohort of women to have been selected for the female mentoring programme. Throughout my career at Stonegate I have been given a huge amount of support and I am now ready to take the next step into area management. Having a mentor who can help me on that journey by sharing their own experiences and guiding me as I take on new challenges, will be hugely beneficial.”
Stonegate Pub Company was Voted Best Pub Employer[1] for the second year running this year. The company has a clear focus on investing in and developing its people through the multi award-winning training programme ‘Albert’s Theory of Progression’ (ATOP) which provides every employee with the opportunity to follow the ‘bar to boardroom’ career pathway.
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Editor’s notes:
About Stonegate Pub Company
Stonegate Pub Company is the largest privately held managed pub operator in the UK, with revenues in excess of £800m and we employ over 14,500 people. The company has 772 pubs, split into two divisions, Branded, comprising: Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout, Be At One, Venues; and Traditional comprising: Proper Pubs, Town Pub & Kitchen, Classic Inns and Common Room.
2019 – BII’s National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs) – HR Manager of the Year (Lee Woolley)
2019 – CGA Insight Hero and Icon Awards – Icon Award (Ian Payne MBE)
2019 – CGA Insight Hero and Icon Awards – Business Leader (Simon Longbottom)
2019 – UK Hospitality’s Dusk ‘til Dawn Late Night Awards – Icon Award (Ian Payne MBE)
2019 – UK Hospitality’s Dusk ‘til Dawn Late Night Awards – Best Marketing and Promotions Award
2019 – Great British Pub Awards – Best LGBTQ+ Pub
2019 – BII Scotland Awards – Best Operator for Training
2019 – Ian Payne MBE, Lifetime Achievement Award, Retailers Retailer of the Year; Investor of the Year TDR Capital, Retailers Retailer of the Year
2019 – Two Menu Innovation & Development Awards (MIDAS): Slug & Lettuce best menu – Premium High Street Pub; Walkabout best menu -Town & City Pub
2019 – Publican Awards (five awards): Best Community Pub Operator, Best Pub Employer (501+ employees), Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites), Best Drinks Offer, Business Leader of the Year – Chief Executive, Simon Longbottom
2018 – British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) Chairman’s Award
2018 – UK Hospitality’s Dusk ‘til Dawn Late Night Awards – Best Service & Team
2018 – Licensed Trade Charity – Outstanding Corporate Contribution Award
2018 – Great British Pub Awards (two awards) – Best LGBTQ+ and Best Sports Pub
2018 – APPBG PUBAID Corporate Charity Fundraiser Award
2018 – Publican Awards – Best Late Night Operator
2017 – Great British Pub Awards (three awards) – Best Pub Garden, Best Entertainment and Best Sports Pub
2017 – Publican Awards (two awards) – Best Managed Pub Company; and Best Late Night Operator (plus highly commended Best Employer)
2017 – Menu Innovation and Development Award (MIDAS) - Premium High Street Pub (TPK)
2017 – Retailers’ Retailer Award – Investor of the Year (TDR Capital)
2016 – BII National Industry Training Awards (NITA) (two awards) – Best Managed Company for Training; Lifetime Achievement Award for Chairman, Ian Payne
2016 – Great British Pub Awards – Best Sports Pub
2016 – Scottish Training Federation – Best Large Employer
2016 – HR Excellence Awards – Best Learning and Development Strategy
2016 – HR Distinction Awards (two awards) – Innovation for Digital & Social Media; People Development
2014 – (Three awards) – HR Distinction in Innovative Use of Technology; Publican - Business Leader of the Year, Chairman Ian Payne; MIDAS Best New Concept Missoula, Montana Bar & Grill
2013 – (Two awards) – Publican award Best Pub Employer; MIDAS City and Bar Dining award Slug and Lettuce.
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[1] Publican Awards 2019 & 2013
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For further information, please contact Emma Dewsbury (emmadewsbury@leisurepr.co.uk)