In a bid to support women into senior roles and accelerate gender pay equality, the region’s ambulance service has launched a women’s special interest group at an event which saw two female paramedics pulling an ambulance.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust’s new group AWE - All Women in EEAST - has been established to explore issues that women face at work, and to determine what can be done to break down barriers.

By improving female representation in senior roles, accelerating gender pay equality and bringing about positive changes, the group hopes to start a ripple effect that will go on to benefit the Trust’s entire workforce.

Lindsey Stafford-Scott, the Trust’s director of people and culture, said: “The group have set their sights high already and I am proud to support them in achieving their goals.

“It is widely recognised across the NHS that there is a need to support more women into senior leadership positions and that the ambulance sector has less senior female representation than other healthcare employers.

“In addition to encouraging women to develop in their careers, it is also recognised that learning from women’s experiences can provide a great learning opportunity for organisations to improve the workplace for all staff and create a more inclusive and supportive culture, which is a key aim for the Trust.

“Establishing this group is the first in a number of important steps the Trust has taken toward celebrating the women in its workforce and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this has.”

Paramedics Sarah Ford and Emma-Louise Bowen Hillson took on the challenge of pulling an ambulance to launch the new group.

Sarah said: “I think this challenge will really show the general public and our colleagues that we are strong women and we want to inspire other women to get strong and be healthy.”

Made up of operational and non-operational women in the Trust, AWE also welcomes the support of men as mentors or guest speakers.

If you are interested in joining the Trust’s team, job opportunities and volunteering roles are available to view at www.eastamb.nhs.uk