It’s fantastic news for International Women’s Day this Sunday that the Intelligence & Security Committee (ISC) want to increase the number of female spies from the current level of 37% to achieve parity with the number of men. They declared in the press this week that they see the online collaboration tool Mumsnet as the perfect place to recruit. What ISC are particularly looking for are women in their ‘middle age’ and mothers……..a pool of untapped talent according to them.

How right they are! Women in middle age are a fabulous and often untapped pool. Sometimes females who are going through menopause or are post-menopausal are ignored and are thought of as having limited value in the workplace. Think again! Research tells us that due to the chemical changes that occur; this time is often one of the most productive and valuable in a woman’s life. They will often experience renewed energy, confidence and a strong appetite for work and success – an impressive rebirth.

Of course for many women the side effects of the menopause can be immense. Some women suffer from debilitating symptoms but for many once these symptoms have disappeared they invariably enjoy a new lease of life. For many women too who have had families, logistically their lives may be easier with fewer demands on their time and energy with bringing up their own children. These women have a wealth of knowledge through their experience in business and through their learning’s as a mother, which we need to tap into and capitalise on.

They invariably make superb coaches and mentors and can be instrumental in developing younger members of the talent pool. So let’s not just concentrate on the younger members of the pool. Let’s get those ‘mature spies’ in from the cold and maybe keep in mind the immortal words of Lauren Bacall: ‘I don’t think of myself as a has-been but more of a will-be’

If you feel your organisation would benefit from some support in making the most of this often forgotten resource, then find out more about our exciting Women OnTrack initiative which is designed to support, encourage and develop female members of your workforce , turning them from what you might have considered as ‘has beens’ into definite ‘will be’s’……