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 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.