Tomorrow, 8th March, is International Women’s Day! At LondonEnergy, we proudly recognise the invaluable contributions of our female colleagues across all departments, including Legal, Waste Operations, Energy Operations, Transport, and more.

This year, we’re shining the spotlight on Amanda and Cheryl, who play key roles in our Transport Team. Read their stories below.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where women can thrive and encourage everyone to support this important cause.

Cheryl Hayden, Assistant Transport Manager

How long have you been working at LEL?
I’ve been working for LEL for two years and four months now, I have been part of the transport team for a year and four months.

What led you to join the transport team, and what is your role?
I joined the transport team because I was looking for a new challenge. Not having worked in transport before, when the opportunity arose, I took it. My role as transport supervisor is that I’m responsible for controlling the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of company vehicles, plant, and staff, ensuring that all legal, contractual, and company procedures are adhered to.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a woman in this team, and how have you overcome them?
The only challenge I have is not knowing the answer to some questions, as I’m still learning the industry. I’m lucky with the team I work with (both office and drivers), as any questions I do have, the team will help answer them. I wouldn’t say being a woman on this team has given me more challenges at all.

What do you enjoy most about your role, and what impact do you feel you make?
I like my role as there are different aspects to it, I not only do office work, but I can go out with drivers both day and night ones and go to the Waste Transfer Stations and RRC’s. It gives me a bit of variety in the position and helps to see what problems the drivers face firsthand to see if I can help to rectify/find a solution.

What advice would you give to other women looking to work in transport-related roles?
It is more common nowadays for transport & logistics workplaces to employ women knowing they can do the same job as men whether that be driving, warehouse or in the office. Keep working hard towards what you want, ask questions and don’t be afraid to go for it. It’s worth it in the end.

Amanda Kemp, Transport and Logistics Administrator

How long have you been working at LEL?
I have just completed 5 years.

What led you to join the transport team, and what is your role?
I have 20 years of admin experience and was looking for a part-time admin role that was local to me and fit in with my children and family life. As this role fit in with all the above, I decided to apply.
I look after a wide range of things in the transport office. This could include updating spreadsheets, filing, notice boards, POs, and the list goes on. I am always happy to help and try to make the transport department run as efficiently as possible.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in this team, and how have you overcome them?

I have had to learn how a transport department is run and all the different information relating to trucks and trailers that I did not know before. Everyone has been helpful from day one. If I have any questions, there has always been someone to answer them, so it has not really been a big challenge for me.

What do you enjoy most about your role, and what impact do you feel you make?

I enjoy maintaining all the admin within our department. I especially enjoy looking after FORS. Even though it can be a bit stressful at times, it is a big sense of achievement when we are awarded it for another year. I hope that my organisational skills will make it easier for the department to run smoothly.

What advice would you give to other women looking to work in transport-related roles?
Just go for it!

I do not believe transport is a male environment anymore. Women are just as much part of the team as are men.

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