POWER OF THREE

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, meet a trio of experienced Bristol Parcelforce drivers proving that gender’s no barrier to getting the job done.

With more than 50 years’ service between them, Parcelforce colleagues Carar Tyer, Liz Frankcom and Lynne Humphries certainly know a thing or two about our business.

“When I started 23 years ago, I was the only woman in a depot of about 130 men,” recalls Carar, who began her career driving a 7.5-tonne lorry for Parcelforce on a rural farm and village route. “I just got on with it – and I think that attitude’s served me well. I certainly don’t feel different or disadvantaged when compared to my male colleagues.”

Lynne joined Parcelforce on the same day as Liz, 15 years ago, and claims the role’s a great fit for her lifestyle and personality.

“We all love the outdoors,” adds Lynne. “Carar is into showjumping and I used to help train horses at a local racing yard. I like the community element as well – we get to know the customers on our rounds and it’s nice to spend a few minutes talking to people who might not see anyone else that day.

“Sometimes, I think the fact that we’re women makes it easier for some people to open up to us if they need someone to talk to.”

“Diversity is essential in the workplace,” says Victoria. “Our business is really people-focused, and it’s important that we represent the rich and varied communities we serve.

“The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Embrace Equity – and that’s something we truly believe in here. My aspiration is to continue making Parcelforce a diverse, open, fair and friendly place to work.”

#EMBRACEEQUITY

On International Women’s Day, we’re hosting events across the UK, including at the Phoenix Centre in London with Jenny Hall, executive sponsor of the Women & Allies Steering Group.

Historically, the mail delivery industry has attracted far more male recruits than female. Nearly 1.5 million people work in transport and logistics in the UK, but less than a quarter are female, according to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. At the Bristol Parcelforce depot, the trio are the only female delivery drivers in a depot team of 100.

“Sometimes, I’ll reverse down a country lane or park the van in a tight space on a customer’s drive and they’ll say something like ‘Wow, what impressive driving’,” laughs Carar’s colleague Liz. “People often seem surprised when a woman gets out of the van. I suppose a lot of people still automatically think ‘postman’. Of course, these attitudes are outdated – and the fact that the three of us have been in the job this long shows that we’re just as capable as any of our male colleagues.”

In the run-up to International Women’s Day on 8 March, delivery manager Victoria Warry is celebrating her team of female colleagues – and looking ahead to a future when more women join the business in a variety of roles.

Bristol’s delivery manager Victoria Warry.