We are excited to announce that the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce (STAT) and the Department for Transport (DfT) have chosen Jacqueline O’Donovan as the Vice-Chair of its new Diversity and Inclusion group. On behalf of DfT and STAT, the launch of a Year of Diversity in Transport and Logistics will be headed up by Tracey Worth, CEO Institute of Couriers and Chair of the STAT group. As Vice-Chair, Jacqueline will provide vision and leadership in promoting a culture in the sector that values and supports diversity, equality and inclusion.
Jacqueline who is managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal, is a multi-award-winning business leader and has been a steadfast supporter of promoting opportunities and advancing best practice in the transport and logistics sector. As the only female MD of a waste management business in London, she has worked tirelessly to improve diversity across the industry and has promoted career development through industry speaking, peer mentoring, and collaborating about the experience and opportunities available to all in the sector.
View this post on Instagram
Jacqueline currently represents the SME sector on the FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Board of Governance that shapes the European road safety standards and became the first female non-executive director of SECBE Ltd (South East Centre for the Built Environment) – a not-for-profit national body whose work includes engaging and supporting leaders in construction to deliver better infrastructure and buildings in the UK whilst improving performance and sustainability. She has also won numerous awards for her business and leadership skills and is currently the PwC UK Private Business Woman of the Year.
“I am extremely honoured to be part of the Taskforce to promote and advance this opportunity for change in our industry” Jacqueline commented. “When businesses adopt a culture of diversity and inclusion, there are a whole range of benefits that follow including teams that work smarter and are more productive and innovative. Through the STAT group, we hope to encourage diversity by raising awareness and focusing on how the sector can be more inclusive and together, we can make the changes that will help companies succeed.”
Tracey Worth said “Developing a culture of diversity and inclusion is something all companies must address. Committing to a diverse workforce will offer positive benefits, especially to staff wellbeing and operational processes. Millennials often only apply for jobs with companies that have diversity and inclusion policies in place; this means CEO’s and MD’s will need to address this as a culture of inclusion is essential to attract talent to recruit. Jacqueline is a leading example, having implemented a Diversity and Inclusion policy in her own company and I am very pleased to have her experience and considerable knowledge in this workgroup.”
