Revealed: the UK’s Power Part Time Top 50

MIKE DEAN, Accenture
BPO Service Delivery Lead for the UK, Ireland & the Nordics
Days worked per week: 3.5

Mike oversees service delivery for Accenture’s multi-million pound BPO business in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics and currently leads a team of 900 people. In 2009, Mike collapsed at his desk and woke up in A&E. He returned to work part time to help him manage both stress and his medical condition. While now able to work more during the week, he continues his part time schedule as it allows “the perfect balance” across all of his passions (Mike is active in his local church, runs two youth groups and assists with a youth football team). Mike believes that working part time has made him better at his job, and is recognised as a role model for part-time working at Accenture – in 2011 he was awarded ‘The Most Inspiring Person Working in BPO’ by both the UK & Ireland and Global Oscars.

TRACY COOPER, artsdepot
Chief Executive
Days worked per week: 3

Tracy leads artsdepot, the only professional arts venue in the London Borough of Barnet, with responsibility for financial management, artistic programming, income generation and external relations. She oversees all aspects of day to day management and is a member of the Mayor of London’s London Cultural Strategy Group. In 2011, Tracy returned to artsdepot part time after giving birth to twins having worked full time there since 2006, and immediately faced the removal of local authority support and possible closure. Tracy restructured the business model, ensuring continued Arts Council England funding and reaching break even within five months. Since then, artsdepot has thrived, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors annually and offering a participation programme benefitting 9,000 children and 5,000 adults each year.

LEA PATERSON, Bank of England
Head of Inflation Report and Bulletin Division
Days worked per week: 3.5-4

Lea is the most senior female monetary policy official at the Bank of England. She is the first female Head of the Inflation Report and Bulletin Division, and the first Head to work part time within it. Lea, a former Economics Editor for The Times, oversees the Bank of England’s quarterly Inflation Report, its flagship monetary policy publication that sets out detailed economic analysis and inflation projections, on which the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee bases its interest rate decisions and presents an assessment of the prospects for UK inflation. Lea works 4 days a week when the report is due, and 3.5 days a week at other times. She works part time to spend more time with her three children.

LEIGH JAGGER, Banks Sadler
CEO
Days worked per week: 4

As CEO of global event management agency Banks Sadler, Leigh is responsible for driving group strategy and growth across five international offices. Since going part time in 2002 to spend more time with her family, Leigh has led the organisation through phenomenal growth, achieving record breaking profits in 2011. In the last 10 years, Leigh has increased profit figures by a staggering 1625%, expanded the business from 40 to 170 employees, led a company rebrand and was voted seventh most powerful female in the M&IT Power 50 last year. Leigh maintains a hands-on approach and remains involved in operations and client relationships. She plays an active role in the wider events industry with regular speaker engagements, and also speaks at local universities and schools.

ABBIE RUMBOLD, Bates Wells & Braithwaite (BWB)
Partner
Days worked per week: 4 (1 from home)

Abbie is Partner in the Charity & Social Enterprise department at leading city law firm BWB. Abbie advises high profile charity, social enterprise, private and public sector clients on commercial legal matters, leads various teams and is a regular events speaker. Known to solve problems quickly and calmly and viewed as a role model for staff, BWB credits Abbie as a ‘trailblazer’ for other part time employees. In addition to work and family commitments (she has two young children). Abbie is voluntary chair of the board of trustees for charity MissionFish and a trustee of the Fawcett Society.

CLARE PATERSON, BBC Knowledge (part of BBC Vision)
Commissioning Executive Producer
Days worked per week: 4

An award-winning programme-maker and executive whose work encompasses documentaries, popular series and films, Clare has been a commissioning executive producer with BBC Knowledge since 2009. She works across all four BBC channels, with special responsibility for commissioning documentaries on BBC Four. Recent credits include the multi-award winning Forgotten Children of Zimbabwe and World's Most Dangerous Roads. Clare initially chose to work part time because of childcare, but then found it allowed her to explore broader horizons. She has authored a book, been a trustee of the Horniman Museum and director of Horniman Museum Enterprises and taken up painting. Clare says she is inspired by her mother, a former headmistress, who trained part time to become a teacher with three young children.

KAREN LYNCH, Belu Water
CEO
Days worked per week: 4 including 2 ‘home office’ days

Karen is the charismatic CEO of social enterprise Belu, the UK’s most ethical mineral water brand that gives all profits to WaterAid. Karen joined in 2009 as Marketing Director on a part time basis, and in 2010 was promoted to transform the campaigning brand into a profitable business. Now available nationwide, and served in Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Fifteen, Cafe Rouge and Zizzi, Belu has donated £249,100 of profits since January 2011 and has achieved prestigious CoolBrands status. A four day week gives Karen the space she needs to fit in ‘everything’, including family, hospital appointments (she has Type 1 diabetes) and horse riding. She advocates flexible working; her staff are encouraged to work from home and a third work part time.

VICKI O'BRIEN, British Airways
Head of Heathrow Customer Service
Days worked per week: 4

Vicki is responsible for managing British Airways’ entire Heathrow Customer Service team and is in charge of a multi-million pound budget. Her team of 2,800 employees serve around 30 million customers each year, always aiming to exceed expectation in one of the world’s most high-pressured industries. A BA employee for 25 years, Vicki has successfully worked on a part time basis for ten years and has been promoted three times since then. Vicki works part time to spend more time her two young sons. More than a quarter of Vicki’s team now work flexibly, and she says BA’s forward-thinking approach has enabled her to build a brilliant career while managing family commitments.

BETSY BASSIS, British Gas and Connected Homes
Director of Strategy
Days worked per week: 3.5

Betsy oversees the Strategy function for British Gas, the UK's largest supplier of gas, electricity, and energy services. She also sits on the senior leadership team of the Connected Homes business unit, which was recently created to develop and commercialise new 'smart' technology-enabled products and services. Betsy’s current role was created after the amount of travel required in her previous position, Managing Director of British Gas Community Energy, became incompatible with family commitments. Her new position allows her to spend more time with her young daughters. Betsy says: “I now get the best of both worlds, whilst remaining very engaged in a role that enables me to shape and influence some of the big questions facing British Gas.”

DR CAMERON HEPBURN, Climate Bridge
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Days worked per week: 2.5

Cameron co-founded fast-growing climate finance company Climate Bridge in 2006 and has worked 50 per cent contractual hours from the start. Climate Bridge has a portfolio of around 200 emission reduction projects in the voluntary and compliance carbon markets, employing a highly talented team across four countries. Cameron is involved in all critical business decisions globally and is responsible for Climate Bridge's strategic direction. Away from Climate Bridge, Cameron is a highly respected academic at the London School of Economics and Oxford University, holds various government advisory roles, is director and co-founder of Vivid Economics, and is dad to one-year-old James, who he looks after at home one day a week.

PHILIPPA LLOYD, Department for Business Innovation and Skills
Director General for People, Communications and Corporate Effectiveness
Days worked per week: 4

Recently promoted to Director General in BIS, Philippa is a member of the department's senior leadership team and Management Board. She is one of the UK’s top 200 civil servants, with responsibility for the department's HR, change management, communications and organisational development. This latter part of her role provides a significant challenge, given the current restructuring and reform programme taking place across the civil service. Philippa has successfully delivered in numerous high profile policy roles, including leading the department's Economic Development policy, and was the first person in BIS to hold the demanding role of Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State on a part time basis. With a young family, Philippa works part time for work life balance reasons.

ROS AVERY, Depaul International
Group Finance Director
Days worked per week: 2

Ros is the financial lead for Depaul International, the parent company of a group of charities working to support homeless and marginalised people around the world. Ros is responsible for the financial governance of the entire group, which achieved a turnover of £16.7 million in 2011. She has worked with staff from very different cultures to develop financial frameworks in challenging jurisdictions, to ensure donations and grants are used effectively. Described as a ‘passionate leader’ with extensive sector knowledge, Ros feels her working pattern gives her the flexibility to be involved in other charities and family life.

HELEN MICHELS, Diageo
Global Innovation Director, Futures Team
Days worked per week: 3 (1 from home)

At global drinks giant Diageo, which has net sales of over £10 billion across more than 180 markets around the world, Helen leads the team tasked with defining the future of the alcoholic beverages industry, identifying new consumer opportunities and solutions for innovation to drive growth. Viewed as a powerful influence on the board, Helen works part time in order to achieve a better work life balance - to spend time with her son and pursue personal interests outside of Diageo. Diageo recognises the benefits of flexible working and offers a range of flexible working arrangements to all employees.

KATIE BICKERSTAFFE, Dixons Retail plc
CEO for UK & Ireland
Days worked per week: 4

Katie is responsible for the UK and Ireland business of Dixons Retail, the multichannel electricals and computing retailer with an annual turnover of £8.2 billion across the UK & Ireland, Nordics, Italy and Greece. She joined the Group’s Board in early 2012 and oversees more than 500 Currys, PC World and Dixons Travel stores. Katie, who spends Fridays with her young family, played a significant part in turning around the fortunes of the Group, which had been written off by many during the recent downturn. After Katie and the senior team re-energised the business to be more customer service-focused, Dixons Retail continues to win market share, grow sales and profits, and scoop awards.

FIONA SHERIDAN, Ernst & Young
Partner
Days worked per week: 4

As a client facing partner, Fiona is responsible for developing new business and leading teams to deliver multiple client projects. She manages the performance and career development of six senior managers and acts as mentor and coach to other staff. Fiona’s career has gone from strength to strength while working part time, becoming a member of the leadership team for the UK firm’s Advisory business in 2010, where she was responsible for the people strategy of more than 1,000 team members. She remains involved in talent development and has mentored many employees through career transitions, including women returning to work after pregnancy. Fiona is consistently highlighted as a positive role model. She has worked in a number of flexible ways over the last 14 years, varying her patterns according to her family’s, her own and the business’ needs.

DAWN AUSTWICK, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Chief Executive
Days worked per week: 4

As Chief Executive of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which aims to improve quality of life throughout the UK, Dawn is responsible for the management of an endowment of more than £800 million, as well as the distribution of more than £30 million a year in grants and loans to charities and social organisations. Prior to this role, Dawn worked part time as Deputy Director at the British Museum and as Project Manager at the Tate Modern, delivering it on time and on budget and receiving an OBE for her work. Dawn works part time to enjoy both a successful career and a good family life, and is also on the board of Big Society Capital and Historic Royal Palaces.

HARRIET LAMB, The Fairtrade Foundation
Executive Director
Days worked per week: 4

Harriet has guided The Fairtrade Foundation through a period of staggering growth, with estimated UK sales of Fairtrade products increasing from £30 million in 2002 to £1.32 billion in 2011, in spite of the recession. Fairtrade’s double digit growth is largely attributable to Harriet’s passion and energy. Harriet was recognised with a CBE in 2006, and has won a string of awards including the Outstanding Woman in Business at the Credit Suisse National Business Awards and Ultimate Eco-Queen by Cosmopolitan magazine. Harriet works part time to enjoy family life, and has succeeded in transitioning up to an international part time position since this search was launched - having been promoted to CEO of Fairtrade International.

PATTI WHALEY, Forum for the Future
Director of Finance and Resources
Days worked per week: 3 days a week, 11 months a year

Patti oversees finance, HR, office management, IT and governance for the Forum, a global, 70-strong non-profit organisation working with business and government to create a sustainable future. Patti is responsible for maintaining reserves, developing organisational learning and keeping employee satisfaction above 80 per cent. The Forum was shortlisted for ‘Best Charity Employer’ by Third Sector magazine and ‘Best for Flexible Working’ by Working Families. Part time work gives Patti a balanced life. She is Honorary Treasurer of ActionAid UK, assistant organist at her local church, Treasurer of the Oare String Orchestra and a qualified chef. She spends every January with her mother in Tennessee and is working on her second solo organ recital.

JOANNA WRIGHT, GE Capital EMEA
Risk Strategy & Implementation Leader
Days worked per week: 3

With $80 billion assets under management in 19 countries, GE Capital EMEA has a wide range of Commercial loans and leases, from small equipment leases to multi-million dollar loans. In her role as Risk Strategy & Implementation Leader, Joanna’s recent achievements include executing a $1 billion portfolio acquisition, restructuring her team for a more customer-centric approach, and increasing efficiency in risk management. Joanna has worked part time in senior level management roles since returning from maternity leave in 2010, with teams of up to 20 people reporting to her. Her current position was created specifically to garner her skills and experience within a three-day working pattern, to the benefit of both sides.

KATE ROGERS, GlaxoSmithKline
Director of Global Finance Partnering Capabilities
Days worked per week: 3.25

Kate leads a major global change programme for Finance Partners at GSK, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The programme will deliver and embed new knowledge, skills and behaviours to more than 2000 employees worldwide. Kate is an experienced Finance Director, whose passion for her work is described as ‘infectious’, and has a reputation for delivering value through strong business partnering. Choosing to work part time to be with her children, Kate also coaches and inspires her highly motivated teams so they feel ‘supported 5 days a week’. Her previous roles while working for GSK part time have included Director of European Finance Transformation and Finance Director for GSK NW Europe, a £1 billion business.

ANNA SKOGLUND, Goldman Sachs International
Investment Banking Division, Managing Director
Days worked per week: 4

Anna has enjoyed a successful career at Goldman Sachs International for 16 years, having joined as a graduate analyst. Promoted to Managing Director in 2008, she is currently responsible for covering UK-based private equity clients for the Financial Sponsors Group (FSG) within the Investment Banking Division (IBD). She provides advisory and investment banking services to a range of institutions throughout the investment life cycle; from idea generation, acquisition advisory and financing, through to the final sale or public market stock offering. A role model amongst senior women in the division and co-sponsor of the IBD women’s network, Anna returned from maternity leave this year and now balances childcare commitments with her career as a client-facing banker with significant coverage responsibilities.

CLARE HARINGTON, Hachette UK
Group Communications Director
Days worked per week: 4 days (1 from home), fewer in school holidays

In her role as Group Communications Director, Clare is responsible for internal and external communication on behalf of Hachette UK, one of the largest book publishing groups in the UK, comprising a number of publishing companies and imprints and employing more than 1500 people. The role of Group Communications Director was established in 2007 when Clare was appointed. She has considerable knowledge of and experience in the publishing industry and, at interview, Hachette offered her the opportunity to tailor her hours to accommodate the requirements of the job and her family commitments. Clare is on the board of Hachette UK.

JANVI PATEL, Halebury
Director
Days worked per week: 5 short days

Janvi is an employment lawyer and the co-owner and director of Halebury, an alternative law firm specialising in commercial, employment and corporate law within the TMT and sports sectors. The Halebury model enables Janvi, her co-director, and the 15 lawyers and 3 employees working with her, to work flexibly. This flexibility enables Janvi to focus on all aspects of her world: her 3 children, her career and her life, which involves partly living in LA. Janvi founded Halebury driven by a vision to create a flexible way of working for lawyers that benefited clients, accompanied by a philosophy of empowering people to drive their own careers. Halebury’s client roster now includes Ericsson, BSkyB, Informa and Expedia.

TORLY GRIMSHAWE, Harrods Ltd
General Merchandising Manager
Days worked per week: 3

Torly is responsible for driving the performance of the Harrods Childrenswear business which has seen growth of double digit sales consistently over the last two years. In her role as Childrenswear General Merchandising Manager, Torly leads merchandise selection and procurement and drives her team of 15 to increase market share. A Harrods team member for 17 years, Torly recently project managed an enormous remodel, refit and refurbishment of the Childrenswear floor, with the aim of creating the best Childrenswear department in the world. Torly’s dedication and achievements have led to the iconic retailer reconsidering its long-standing working patterns, and Harrods now fully encourages and supports flexible working.

OLGA ALLON, Hot Bikram Yoga
Founder & Studio Director
Days worked per week: 3

Olga oversees the overall management of Hot Bikram Yoga, which she launched in 2006. Olga trained to be a Bikram instructor while still a practising commercial architect. Hot Bikram Yoga’s business now includes three thriving yoga studios in London, retailing yoga clothing and accessories and running yoga retreats. Working three days a week enables Olga to spend time with her three daughters, while still being involved in all aspects of the business, from overseeing marketing and branding activities to teaching yoga classes. She designed her studios and also spends time training and supporting her 85 staff, with many taking her lead and working flexibly.

ANDI BRITT, IBM
Executive Partner Organisation & People Practice Global Business Services
Days worked per week: 4

Andi has been working part time for over twenty years. He leads IBM's HR, Change and Training capability, as well as advising clients on major transformation programmes involving IT, processes and cultural change; he is currently Delivery Executive on a programme to implement a learning system for more than 90,000 staff at a major multinational. Andi works part time so he can spend time in his local community, where he is a marriage guidance counsellor, school governor and chairs a charity to help unemployed 18-24 years olds into full time employment.

KAREN CALLAGHAN, innocent drinks
People Director
Days worked per week: 3

Karen sits on the innocent drinks board, responsible for the brand's long term people strategy and the approach to the management and development of the innocent team. After engagement scores decreased four years ago, Karen and her team were behind the push to reverse the decline, leading change in areas such as communication, performance and management. The plan worked and engagement levels are back at industry leading levels. Last year, innocent was named the fastest growing top 100 UK Grocery Brand and is regularly recognised as a leading employer. Karen works part time to allow her to explore other interests, as a coach and consultant for up-and-coming SMEs.

NICOLA MENDELSOHN, Karmarama
Executive Chairman
Days worked per week: 4

Advertising guru Nicola has worked a 4 days a week for the past 15 years, progressing rapidly up the career ladder all the while. Nicola heads Karmarama, the fastest growing and largest independent advertising agency in the UK. Nicola’s flexible working has trickled from the top down, fostering a more flexible culture at Karmarama. 65 per cent of its 180 members of staff are provided with laptops, so they can work from home, or wherever inspires them. Nicola is also the current president of advertising industry trade body the IPA and is the first woman to hold the position in its 95 year history. She works 4 days to spend time with her four children, and to undertake charity work with Women's Aid and The White Ribbon Alliance.

CHARLOTTE BRADLEY, Kingsley Napley LLP
Partner
Days worked per week: 4

Charlotte is Partner in the Family team at Kingsley Napley LLP, specialising in all aspects of family law, particularly international issues. She is also a mediator. She helps manage a team of 18. Consistently ranked as a leading expert in her field, Charlotte is one of the firm’s 12 Equity Partners in a partnership of 43, and her client fees and business development now exceed the level they were at prior to her having her three year old twins (when she worked full time). She co-founded and co-chairs the Association of Professional Working Parents and is currently co-authoring an update of a leading textbook on Financial Provision for Unmarried Parents. She regularly writes and lectures on a variety of family law issues.

REBECCA GATES, LaSalle Investment Management
Head of Retail Asset Management UK
Days worked per week: 4

Rebecca, who works part time because she has two small children, leads a team of 20 which manages £4 billion in retail assets across the UK for pension fund clients of LaSalle Investment Management. A member of the UK Management Board, Rebecca’s drive and efficiency make her ‘a shining example’ for part time working at LaSalle, which is one of the world’s leading real estate investment managers. Rebecca successfully manages a team that includes two colleagues who also work flexibly.

NICOLA RABSON, Linklaters LLP
Partner, Employment & Incentives
Days worked per week: 4

Mum to three children, Nicola was the first lawyer to be made an equity partner at Linklaters while working part time - a notable achievement which has led the way for others. She is a member of Linklaters Gender Network and is also involved in several mentoring programmes. Nicola is an increasingly well-known figure in employment law, with extensive experience in all areas of contentious employment law, including claims in the High Court. Coordinating and advising on large global projects, her clients include Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and National Grid. She was recently instructed on the biggest employment claim in the UK to date, which received significant global media attention as one of the most important commercial cases of recent times.

PROFESSOR JANE MAHER, Macmillan Cancer Support
Chief Medical Officer
Days worked per week: 2

Jane develops Macmillan’s strategy to increase expertise in cancer and palliative care, through lobbying, part-funding and new training schemes. Her achievements include leading a community of 200 GPs to improve primary care management and establishing a research collaborative involving universities, commissioners, service users, researchers and social scientists, attracting grants of more than £2 million to improve end of life care management in 1,000 GP practices. She also helped develop a programme to improve surgery for colorectal cancer, with the Department of Health investing £8 million in training surgeons following the programme’s success. Working part time in this role allows Jane to continue practising as a consultant clinical oncologist and be at the forefront of diagnosis and treatment.

BELINDA EARL, Marks & Spencer
Style Director
Days worked per week: up to 3

Described as the ‘Queen of Retail’ by the media, Belinda recently joined Marks & Spencer as Style Director, working with customer research groups and product teams to ensure the iconic brand continues to evolve as an international multi-channel retailer. Belinda’s stellar career began as a graduate at Harrods; she then worked her way up to hold Chief Executive roles at Debenhams and premium fashion brand Jaeger. Now able to pursue new opportunities and contribute to other companies while still enjoying the challenges of a senior retail role, Belinda is a Fellow of the University of Wales, was awarded a Fellowship of the City and Guilds of London Institute and is an advisor to luxury online childrenswear brand Alex and Alexa.

JULIET KINSMAN, Mr & Mrs Smith
Editor In Chief
Days worked per week: 3

Leading UK creative Juliet helped create the ‘voice’ behind Mr & Mrs Smith, the collection of the world’s most stylish hotels, which recently won its second Condé Nast Traveller Readers Award for Favourite Travel Website. Launched 10 years ago with James and Tamara Lohan, it now has 90 employees worldwide, having evolved from guidebook to booking site and travel club. Having helped build the brand, Juliet is now a renowned hotel expert, writing for national newspapers and magazines about boutique travel. Aiming to balance motherhood with her passions for writing and travel, Juliet also created a blog/online community for her West London neighbourhood, Park-Life.org, and through this hosts charity-supporting ‘flea markets’ for her local community.

SUZANNAH NICHOL, NSCC Ltd
Chief Executive
Days worked per week: 4

As Chief Executive of the National Specialist Contractors' Council (NSCC), Suzannah’s responsibilities include developing policy, government and stakeholder liaison and generating income. In 2005, she was awarded an MBE for her contribution to the construction industry and has been instrumental in introducing initiatives that reduce bureaucracy and waste within SMEs in construction. Half the staff at the NSCC work part time and Suzannah does so to improve her work/balance. Her work on the award-winning Fair Payment Campaign is fundamentally changing the behaviour of the construction supply chain, ensuring suppliers are better equipped to challenge poor payment practices. The campaign has resulted in a change in legislation and the introduction of a new, government-wide policy regarding supplier payment.

CHRIS HOBBS, Norton Rose LLP
Partner, Deputy Head of Compliance
Days worked per week: 4, including one remote-working

Together with a fellow experienced partner, Chris runs the global compliance operation for Norton Rose LLP. He is jointly responsible for ensuring the firm's compliance with all statutes and regulation affecting its 2,900 lawyers in 43 offices globally. Chris provides advice and counsel to fee earners, particularly in relation to conflicts of interest, confidentiality and privilege, management of risk and ethical matters. He works part time to allow more time at home with his wife who has had health issues and says: “I first went part time as a fee earning partner and achieved one of my highest billing performances after doing so. I did that by trusting my associates, giving them responsibility but ensuring they knew I was available if needed.”

EMMA HARVEY, Numiko
Managing Director
Days worked per week: 4

Managing Director Emma oversees the commercial side of Numiko, an award winning Leeds-based digital agency. Since she was headhunted to join as MD two years ago, whilst still under the age of 30, Emma has been instrumental in Numiko’s growth and in steering it through the recession. Last year, turnover was more than £1.5 million. Emma believes digital work naturally attracts ‘life’s polymaths’ and says: “Numiko has a flexible approach and would much rather secure talented, part-time workers than rigidly insisting on full time hours.” She works part time herself because she is preparing a PhD proposal, and also advises two universities on their Creative Media Management courses in her spare time.

FREYA GUINNESS, Ofcom
Director, Operational Transformation
Days worked per week: 4.5 days (including 1 from home)

At communications regulator Ofcom, having run their Olympics programme, Freya has reverted to leading a team of internal consultants on a range of change projects to improve operational and organisational effectiveness. She also manages Ofcom’s consumer contact team and its IS function. Ofcom cites Freya’s ability to get to the heart of a challenge and identify critical issues and priorities rapidly as key to her success. She has worked part time for the last ten years to spend more time with her three children, and to pursue other pro bono interests.

KATIE ABBOTTS, Oxfam
Head of PR
Days worked per week: 3.5, occasionally 4

Katie leads multi award winning public relations campaigns for Oxfam, working with celebrity ambassadors and directing corporate PR to boost funds, donations and sales through Oxfam's network of hundreds of shops, directing Oxfam’s PR function in a period when income from shops and fundraising increased by £18 million to £385.5 million. Katie manages a team of ten and multiple PR agencies. She says her successful part time working is due to being clear-sighted, strategic and being able to build trust others. Katie says she works part time so she doesn’t miss out on “all the precious moments of parenthood.”

CLAIRE FLINT, Oxford Instruments plc
Group HR and Brand Director
Days per week: 4

Claire delivers the ‘people aspects’ in the global strategy of Oxford Instruments, a leading provider of high-tech tools and systems for research and industry which sells 95 per cent of its products outside the UK, with revenues of approximately £350 million. Claire oversees executive recruitment, remuneration policy, acquisition integration and the training and development of 2,000 employees worldwide, as well as brand development. She joined Oxford Instruments 14 years ago during a period of turbulence, when there was little recognition of HR’s role in business strategy. She worked with the Chairman to recruit a new management team and introduced policies to re-energise the business, which has doubled in size and became one of the best performing businesses in the FTSE250 in 2011. Claire works a four day week to balance work and home life.

GAENOR BAGLEY, PwC
UK Executive Board Member – People
Days worked: 9 per fortnight

Gaenor is a member of the Executive Board of PwC, the UK’s largest professional services firm, providing tax, audit and consulting services, and is part of the global PwC network. She began working part time after having her third child. Responsible for PwC’s People strategy and HR function, Gaenor also leads corporate sustainability and community activities, which last year had almost 5,000 volunteers contributing 55,000 hours across the UK, part of a £10 million community contribution last year. A role model at PwC, Gaenor is also the company’s global learning and development leader, Chair of the PwC Global Diversity and Inclusion Council, executive sponsor of PwC’s Women’s Network, Female Partners & Directors Network and the Christian Network.

DEBBY KUYPERS, RFK Architects Ltd
Director/Owner
Days worked per week: 4

Debby is joint founder/director of RFK Architects, an architecture and design practice based in London that specialises in retail, commercial and art/museum projects. Clients include the British Museum, Tate and the National Gallery. Debby is responsible for general staff management, new business pitches, PR & marketing, business operations management and is lead architect/designer on all retail projects, where her clients include Boots, John Lewis, Selfridges and the V&A shop. According to her team, Debby’s exceptional skills consistently instil confidence in her colleagues and clients, which is reflected in RFK’s repeat business from some of the world’s leading retailers. She also lectures part time at the University of Westminster’s Architectural department. Working four days allows Debby to spend more time with her daughter.

JANE RUSSELL, Russell Automotive Centre
Director
Days worked per week: 3

Jane co-runs two automotive companies with a combined turnover of more than £1 million. She heads HR, marketing, accounts and finance, and also leads networking and strategy development for the business, striving to give the motor industry a more positive reputation. The business, which Jane co-runs with her husband, employs 12 people and has won many awards including Best New Business at the N & W London Business Awards. Jane works with and supports other part time workers for the business’ outsourced needs and says that working part time allows her to be there for her children, making her “more efficient, less stressed and a nicer person!”

NADINE JONES, Ryman
Group HR and Project Director
Days worked per week: 3

Nadine’s role is to develop, set and implement the HR strategy across Ryman, Boux Avenue Lingerie and Robert Dyas. The group operates a network of over 350 stores nationwide. She is a member of the senior management team and contributes to business strategy development, business transformation and projects. A single working mum, Nadine says that an amazing support network and efficient use of technology enable her to provide a relevant, valued service, and credits group Chairman Theo Paphitis with being highly supportive of part time workers. Nadine also fulfils a part time contract as HR Director for Links of London and is Chair for a charitable trust.

JULIAN TAYLOR, Simmons & Simmons LLP
Partner
Days worked per week: 4.5

Julian is a senior partner in the Simmons & Simmons LLP Employment Group, which has been independently ranked as one of the UK's top Employment Law practices. He is Client Partner for Rothschild, Visa and Moody’s and is one of the firm's most successful partners in terms of revenue, described by colleagues as a “rare example of an excellent technical lawyer with a very human touch.” Julian sits on the committee that assesses partnership promotions and lateral hires, and leads initiatives to improve gender balance. He reduced his working hours eight years ago to see more of his young family. This was an extremely unusual step for a male partner in a City law firm, helping to pave the way for flexible working for others.

ANNE SLOAN, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group
Executive Adviser
Days worked per week: 2 (flexible)

Anne provides the Group HR Director and other senior leaders with targeted, specialist advice on HR and legal aspects of the Group’s relationship with its top Executives. Drawing on her extensive experience of complex, high profile HR issues, Anne’s role involves directing recruitment and severance negotiations at the most senior levels and handling sensitive investigations and projects. In 2006, Anne was hit by a sudden and untimely family bereavement. Consequently, she re-evaluated her life and her priorities. The RBS Group created a role for her that would make the most of her unique talents within a flexible work pattern, achieving business goals while meeting Anne’s own needs.

RACHEL CHEAL, Tigerspike
Group Finance Director
Days worked per week: 4

Rachel holds full responsibility for management of the finances across Tigerspike, a personal media technology company offering a range of specialist services, with a global turnover in the region of $20 million. Rachel’s role involves management of Tigerspike’s global finance team in seven cities across the world, a position on the executive board, performance reporting, raising investment, business case approval, systems rollout and regulatory compliance. Rachel is also part-time Chief Operating Officer for Luluvise, an innovative social and communications platform for women. She works one day a month in the office and consults on HR, operational and finance matters. Rachel chooses to work part time for ‘headspace and happiness’.

MARIANNE FAGENTS, Tube Lines
Head of Communications
Days worked per week: 4

Marianne is responsible for driving the communications strategy for Tube Lines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transport for London which delivers the engineering and modernisation programme on three of its lines. Marianne leads a team of six and is responsible for communications with its 2,500 employees in more than 25 locations. Marianne has helped manage Tube Lines through difficult times – five CEOs in two years, renationalisation and a major restructure involving many redundancies. Yet a recent employee survey showed an improvement in engagement levels, more support for the company’s vision and an increase in satisfaction with internal communications. Her team say she encourages lateral thinking and shuns a ‘we’ve-always-done-it-like-that’ approach. Marianne has Wednesdays off so she can spend time with her children.

JAKE HOBAN, UBS Global Asset Management IT
Head of Service Management
Days worked per week: 4

Jake Hoban manages a global team responsible for IT governance for the Global Asset Management division of UBS – implementing tools, defining processes and providing reporting. Jake began a 4-day week over 3.5 years ago for an initial trial period of three months and demonstrated that he was more than able to perform to the same high standard as a full-time employee. He achieved this by focusing on his priorities and adhering to deadlines. The key to successfully managing a global team, Jake believes, is effective communication, which does not require constant presence in the office. In fact, he believes part-time working has empowered his team further as he delegates where possible and encourages staff to act autonomously within their remit.

JESSICA STACK, Wavelength
Co-founder
Days worked per week: 3.5

Jessica is chair of Wavelength, an international company which connects business leaders, entrepreneurs and social innovators from across sectors to share and build knowledge, insights, resilience and connectivity. Jess co-founded the business in 2008 after the birth of her second child, alongside Adrian Simpson and Liam Black, who had formerly led Fifteen and helped Jamie Oliver to build the brand. She had previously worked as a freelance theatre set designer and channelled her skills and creativity into the endless tasks associated with setting up and running her own business. Four years later, Wavelength has a turnover of almost £2 million, with a roster of big name global clients. Also responsible for finance, Jess is creative director and oversees the design and themeing of all Wavelength events.