Women make up around 21% of the FM workforce according to an IFMA survey. An IWFM survey gives a more charitable estimate for the UK sector, with a 34/66 percentage split of women to men. Regardless of the exact numbers, it is agreed that the sector is male dominated. In areas like electrical engineering and security there is even greater disparity – women make up just 1% of electricians and 11% of frontline security personnel.

Gender diversity is key to business success. Post pandemic, gender equity seems to be in danger of becoming less of a priority for many businesses as they establish “what matters most when everything matters”. In 2019, 18% of senior vice president roles and 19% of vice president roles were filled by women. 4 years later, this has dropped to 14% and 16% respectively. Senior women are leaving high positions at an accelerating rate.