Newly unveiled CRN Women in Channel judge Tracy Westall: 'Increasing diversity appears complicated; for me it's about action'

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The latest industry big-hitter to sign up as a CRN Women in Channel Awards judge says firms who are serious about improving diversity in their organisations should make it a board issue.

Former SCC board director Tracy Westall currently holds a number of non-executive roles, including sitting on the board of the Department for Transport.

During a wide-ranging interview covering gender pay gaps, the disproportionate burden of lockdown on women, and the perceived success of female-led countries in tackling COVID-19, Westall said firms can overthink their approach to diversity.

"These things appear complicated. For me it's about action," she said.

"Think about having a champion in the organisation who owns the issue. Make it a board not a CSR issue. Promote role models - celebrate and advocate them in the organisation. And - you made a comment about getting a man's perspective: diversity is not a woman's issue. It's an issue for men and women. It's not something women should champion. It's something we should all be championing."

Among her current non-executive duties, Westall also sits on the board of the West Midlands 5G Ltd, but isn't ruling out a return to the channel.

"What's surprised me is I haven't ended up doing that kind of work firmly within our space - but that may come with time," she said.

Westall is the 21st industry judge to be announced for CRN Women in Channel Awards 2020, which will be held on 15 October. View the other industry judges here.

Catch the full interview above.