Sophie Wingfield

Sophie Wingfield is a prominent figure in the field of human resources and public affairs, currently serving as the Director of Policy & Campaigns at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). In this role, she focuses on various aspects of recruitment policy, including diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workforce.

Professional Background

Wingfield has held significant positions in different organizations, demonstrating her expertise in public affairs and policy development. Before her current role, she was involved in various capacities that allowed her to influence recruitment practices and advocate for better workplace equality. Her experience includes:

• Senior Director at FTI Consulting, where she led public affairs and external communications.
• Head of Policy & Public Affairs at REC, where she has been instrumental in addressing issues related to gender imbalances in leadership roles and promoting flexible working arrangements.

Advocacy for Diversity

Wingfield has been vocal about the need for organizations to combat unconscious bias in recruitment processes. She emphasizes the importance of using inclusive language in job advertisements and implementing diverse interview panels to ensure fair hiring practices. At events such as the International Women’s Day conference, she highlighted that only a small percentage of FTSE 350 companies have female CEOs, underscoring the ongoing challenges women face in achieving leadership positions.1

Insights on Work Trends

In addition to her advocacy for diversity, Wingfield has commented on the evolving nature of work, particularly regarding home working trends accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that while remote work has benefits, it also poses challenges for employee wellbeing and team dynamics. Wingfield advocates for a flexible approach that accommodates individual preferences while meeting business needs.2

Education and Influence

Wingfield's educational background and professional experiences position her as a thought leader in the recruitment sector. She actively participates in discussions about workforce management, equality, and the future of work.3

Through her work at REC and other platforms, Sophie Wingfield continues to influence policies aimed at creating a more equitable and inclusive workforce across various industries.