Case Study: Training and Development - Shell Group

The attraction, retention and progression of women is one of several areas being targeted by Shell to improve representation and inclusiveness of specific under-represented groups. The Shell Group has a stated aspiration to achieve at least 20% of senior positions filled by women globally. During 2005 a study was initiated to identify barriers and enablers for women’s retention and career progression. Recommendations were then developed and endorsed to:

• Accelerate recruitment and development of women in filling the talent pipeline
• Increase visibility of existing female role models
• Improve the effectiveness of partnerships between men and women through better understanding of gender differences
• Encourage the use of a variety of flexible work options to support family/personal needs without detriment to career
• Address the reasons women are leaving in mid career years
• Improve the credibility of global processes for dealing with problems associated with harassment and discrimination
• Monitor potential pay equity issues
• Enable the formation of women’s networks throughout the world

The proportion of women in senior leadership positions has increased to 11.6%, female representation in managerial positions worldwide has increased to 16.2% and those in supervisory/professional positions has increased to 23.2%.

Women are encouraged to attend the Women’s Career Development Programme. Feedback has been positive, and its personal impact has been significant including, increased confidence, motivation, visibility, and clear goals.

Learnings include:

• Importance of broad scale senior leader sponsorship at every stage
• Engagement of Employee Networks to assist in data gathering and testing potential interventions
• Leveraging external research and internal testimonials regarding current state
• Applying holistic approach to addressing barriers and building enablers
• Collaborating and partnering between D&I and various HR process owners
• Assuring clear accountability for implementation of recommendations and mechanisms for periodic monitoring of progress