International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the achievements of women across industries and to acknowledge the progress made in gender equality. In quality management and compliance-a field traditionally dominated by men-women are breaking barriers, driving excellence, and shaping the future of businesses through their expertise and leadership. This year, to celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re sharing insights from the incredible women of Clear Quality-highlighting their experiences, challenges, and what this year’s theme ‘AccelerateAction’ means to them.

At Clear Quality, we are committed to breaking down barriers by supporting women in leadership and professional development. Through our training programmes, apprenticeships, and consultancy services, we provide women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in quality management roles. We believe that by investing in female talent, businesses not only create more inclusive workplaces but also drive greater innovation, performance, and success.

What the Women of Clear Quality have to say

To mark International Women's Day we asked the women of Clear Quality to share their thoughts on what working in quality means to them. Here are some of their inspiring insights:

Debbie, CEO- "International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and talent of women everywhere and for me, it’s deeply personal. Building a bespoke consultancy / training business alongside a team of strong, talented women has been one of my greatest achievements. Every day, I see first-hand the dedication, skill, and passion that women bring, not just to our business but to the manufacturing, STEM industry, a space where they continue to break barriers and redefine what’s possible. In an industry that has traditionally been male dominated, our work empowers women to step forward with confidence, take up space, and drive real change. I am incredibly proud of the women I work with on a daily basis, our team, our clients, and the many professionals we support because together, we are shaping the future. Today, and every day, we celebrate the progress made and continue pushing for a world where women’s contributions are recognised, valued, and championed."

Beth, Training Director- "On International Women's Day, I want to shout about the amazing women I work with every day. They’re not just incredible at what they do, they’re kind, driven, supportive, and downright brilliant. So, here’s to my phenomenal team, you inspire me daily! 💜 The Women Who Make Clear Quality Exceptional  

Debbie Whitehead –A powerhouse of vision and drive-Debbie’s leadership built Clear Quality into what it is today💜 

Regan Taylor –The queen of numbers, strategy, and keeping us all in check-Clear Quality’s financial mastermind.💜 

Sarah Ferriby –The heart of our team-Sarah makes sure we’re supported, valued, and always putting our best foot forward.💜 

Amy Armstrong –Detail-driven and cool under pressure-Amy keeps us compliant and professional at all times.💜 

Vicki Connell –The go-to expert for funding and quality-making the complicated stuff easy!💜 

Jo Morgan –Kind, patient, and passionate about learning-Jo helps people grow in confidence every day.💜 

Karen Taylor –No detail escapes Karen-she’s the definition of expertise and excellence.💜 

Caroline Pursglove –Calm, collected, and full of knowledge-Caroline guides businesses through compliance with ease.💜 

Lexi Hurt –Brings energy, enthusiasm, and a can-do attitude to everything she does.💜 

Louise McMahon –A game-changer for learners-building confidence and skills for over 13 years.💜 

Evie Powell –New to the team but already making a huge impact—full of energy and drive!💜 

Abi Sykes –Keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes-our organisational powerhouse.💜 

Sandra Wiggins –A wealth of industry experience-making learning relevant and real.💜 

Marianne Chambers – Bringing fun, energy, and top-quality training to everything she does-always with a sprinkle of unicorn magic!🦄✨ 💜 

Sarah Sharpe –Championing every learner, making learning accessible for all.💜 

Jess Gillatt –The mentor everyone wishes they had-supportive, encouraging, and honest!💜 

Chloe Wallace – Associate Trainer Brings fun, energy, and engagement to every training session.💜 

Sophie Birley –A rising star-eager, determined, and already a huge asset to the team.💜 

Georgina Scothorne –Creative, enthusiastic, and bringing fresh energy to our marketing.💜 

Lucy-Mae Chance –A marketing whiz—turning big ideas into reality!💜 

Zoe Beattie –Detail-focused and dedicated to helping learners and businesses excel. This team is something special. 

They don’t just do their jobs—they make a difference. So today, on International Women's Day, I just want to say THANK YOU. You’re all amazing, and I couldn’t ask for a better team!"💜 

Regan, Financial Director- "Celebrating International Women’s Day is a time for everyone to reflect on the importance of taking real steps towards gender equality. For me, AccelerateAction means continuing to break down barriers, championing the next generation of women in business and leadership, and ensuring that every woman has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in her career."

Sarah F, Marketing & HR Manager- "International Women’s Day is a celebration of everything that makes women powerful—our strength, resilience, and ability to support and nurture those around us. As a mother to three children, including two daughters, I am passionate about empowering them to believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to. At Clear Quality, I’m proud to be part of a team that values inclusivity and leadership, with inspiring women at every level of our business. As a mentor to our marketing apprentices, I strive to create an environment where they feel empowered to take ownership of their work, grow their confidence, and develop their skills. ‘Accelerate Action’ is about making sure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive, and I’m grateful to be part of a workplace that champions that every day."

Karen, ISO Lead Auditor- "IWD means a lot to me as I have two daughters who are both in full-time employment. My daughters have had the advantage of amazing support from the strong women within our family. With this support, they have worked their way up to positions of employment that include authority, responsibility and leadership. I am immensely proud of both of them."

Caroline, ISO Specialist Consultant- ‘There's nothing a man can do, that I can't do better and in heels.’-Ginger Rogers "This quote by Ginger Rogers really resonates with me in the engineering consultancy sector: 'There's nothing a man can do, that I can't do better and in heels.' It embodies the confidence and capability I bring to my work, proving that I can excel and perhaps even outperform in traditionally male-dominated areas. My success not only paves the way for more women to enter and thrive in this industry but also helps to break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive environment. In the engineering industry, with the increasing presence and success of women engineers who are breaking barriers and proving their capabilities. Women like Hedy Lamarr, who co-invented frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, and Emily Warren Roebling, who oversaw the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, exemplify this. Today, organisations and initiatives are actively working to support and encourage women in engineering, ensuring they have the opportunities to thrive and lead."

Lexi, ISO Specialist Consultant- "International Woman’s Day for me means celebrating progress and our steps forward while acknowledging the work still to be done worldwide for equality. In terms of my own career journey, it has meant being the only woman in my sixth form STEM challenge team (Engineering Education Scheme Wales), going on to undertake an Architectural Engineering and Design Management degree at university which led to site engineering for a main contractor in the male-dominated construction sector. While there I was involved in discussing and updating the parental leave policies and championing equality and challenging workplace bias. It has always meant being visible and being involved in STEM awareness days and engineering schemes in school as well as interview practice for school leavers. Now as a working Mum with a young daughter and a son it means demonstrating how to balance work and family life, not limiting them to historical gender ideas and teaching them both to be champions for equality. In my personal life I was also involved in the March with Midwives campaign while pregnant with my son, a cause close to my heart having had both my children at home supported by midwives."

Amy, Compliance Manager- "When women lift each other up, we build a world where our daughters can stand tall. My daughter’s fearless spirit today is the foundation for the strong, independent woman she will become, one who knows her worth, embraces her dreams, and empowers others along the way."

Sarah S, Mentor & SEND officer- "Having my daughter at 17 meant I had to put my college plans on hold. However, I embraced an apprenticeship opportunity that allowed me to earn qualifications while working, launching my career and providing for my family as a mother. I'm incredibly grateful for that opportunity, and it has shaped my passion for supporting women and mothers in balancing education and careers. Today, I am proud to be working in this industry, helping others navigate similar journeys."

Abi, Compliance Administrator- "International Women’s Day is important because it celebrates the progress women have made while highlighting the challenges that still exist. As a girl who loves football, it’s a reminder that women belong in sport just as much as men. Whether playing or supporting from the stands, we deserve equal opportunities and respect. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation to chase their passions without limitations."

Evie, Compliance Administrator- "International women’s day is important to me because it reminds me of the challenges I’ve faced as a woman and the strength I have gained from overcoming them. Whether its pushing through gender biases, finding my voice in male dominated spaces, or supporting the women around me, this day represents resilience, progress, and solidarity. It’s a time to celebrate women who have inspired me such as my friends and family and to keep pushing forward for equality."

Lucy-Mae, Digital Marketing Officer- "Although International Women's Day is a day to celebrate our achievements and growth, it also calls us to action. The fact that only 10 out of 195 countries offer full legal protection and equal rights for women is deeply concerning, as every day's delay means more women are denied the rights and equality they deserve. #AccelerateAction resonates with me, both personally and professionally, as a reminder that change cannot wait. I'm proud to be a woman and grateful for the challenges and opportunities that have shaped my journey. I also wouldn't have had the opportunities I have today without the support of the women in my family, among my friends, and in the workplace. Every woman deserves such opportunities, equal rights, and full legal protection, and a day like this is essential for drawing attention to that need!"

Georgina, Digital Marketing Apprentice- "To me international women’s day is all about celebrating and empowering women in every industry, at every stage of life. It’s a reminder that no matter our age or background, we can inspire, lead, and make an impact. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, reminds us that we need to keep pushing for equality—because real change happens when we take action, not just talk about it."

Sophie, Finance Apprentice- "To me, International Women’s Day is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the countless achievements of women across the world and also a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made. IWD is to honour those who have paved the way for future generations. The theme ‘Accelerate Action’ resonates with me because it's about turning intention into impact. Whether it’s empowering women economically, providing access to education, or fostering leadership in businesses, every step forward counts."

Jo, Functional Skills Lead- "Learning about the Suffragettes in history lessons at school was a real eye-opener for me. After spending time in Africa as a young teacher, I was struck by the struggles women still face in third world countries. Now, working for Clear Quality, I feel fortunate to be in the position to provide women with access to high quality education and training. We develop not only the functional skills, but more importantly, the confidence in women to raise self-esteem and lift aspirations."

Zoe, Compliance Trainer- "As someone that has always championed, seeing, and supporting, women in senior roles and in the boardroom of organisations, I feel privileged to be continuing that journey in my current role with Clear Quality. When women are empowered and given the opportunity to lead in business and the board room, organisations not only benefit from diverse perspectives, they also foster a culture of inclusivity and resilience that drive innovation and long-term success."

Marianne, Compliance Trainer- "As a single mother, carer, and worker, International Women's Day (IWD) serves as a powerful reminder that my strength deserves accelerated support. The 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ emphasises the need for swift and decisive steps to eliminate systemic barriers and biases that women face. For me, "Accelerate Action" means quicker access to the help I need to build a better future. It signifies that my high standards are met with equal opportunities, and it is my mandate to push for a world where my child will see a mother who thrived, not just survived, because of accelerated equality. International Women's Day is a day the world is reminded that I, and women like me, will not be held back any longer. Accelerating action means accelerating equality and accelerating my family's future."