IAAF launches ‘Driving Balance’ movement to help shape a stronger future

• Industry body unveils five-pillar strategy to increase representation, tackle skills shortages and build a more inclusive independent aftermarket

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced the launch of Driving Balance, a long-term movement designed to help create a more inclusive, representative and sustainable automotive aftermarket.

Officially launching on 30 September, Driving Balance has been developed over almost a year following meetings and discussions with the IAAF’s Gender Balance Community, bringing together industry perspectives to identify where change is needed and, importantly, how it can be achieved.

The result is a five-pillar approach designed to encourage greater gender balance across the sector while supporting the wider recruitment and retention challenges facing businesses throughout the independent aftermarket.

Despite women making up around half of the UK’s overall workforce, they account for fewer than one in five people employed within the automotive sector. Female apprentices represent just four per cent of automotive apprenticeships, while only around one in ten senior automotive positions are held by women. At the same time, the industry faces an ageing workforce, ongoing technician shortages and increasing competition for new talent.

Recognising that these issues cannot be solved by individual businesses alone, the IAAF has established Driving Balance as a collaborative movement that brings together manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, garages, workshops and industry leaders to drive meaningful, long-term change.

At the heart of the initiative are five strategic pillars:

Marketing – improving visibility and representation by showcasing diverse role models, challenging stereotypes and telling authentic stories that reflect today’s aftermarket.

Access – opening career pathways through apprenticeships, schools engagement, recruitment initiatives, return-to-work programmes and gender-inclusive recruitment practices.

Support – creating mentoring opportunities, leadership development, networking and peer communities to help individuals build successful long-term careers.

Commitment – encouraging member organisations to lead by example through inclusive cultures, codes of conduct and a shared commitment to removing barriers and creating equal opportunities. 

Measurement – tracking progress through meaningful data, reporting and accountability to ensure that intentions are translated into measurable outcomes.

The five pillars will provide a framework for practical activity rather than simply statements of intent. As part of the initiative, the IAAF will introduce guidance on driving gender balance within its member code of conduct, encouraging businesses across the membership to actively support positive change.

Members will also be encouraged to visibly demonstrate their support for Driving Balance, with branded materials, including stickers featuring the new Driving Balance identity, being made available for display in garages, workshops and workplaces.

Sue McKay, Head of Gender Balance at the IAAF, who is heading up the Driving Balance initiative, said: “Driving Balance is the result of almost a year of listening, discussing and working with people from across our Gender Balance Community to understand where we can make a meaningful difference.

“We wanted to create something that goes beyond simply talking about gender balance. The five pillars give us a clear framework to turn those conversations into practical action, whether that is improving the visibility of the wide range of careers available, opening up routes into the industry, creating stronger support networks or encouraging businesses to look at what they can do within their own organisations.

“This is very much the start of the journey. Driving Balance is about bringing the industry together, sharing ideas and best practice and, crucially, measuring our progress so that we can build on what works and continue to drive positive change.”

The Driving Balance movement recognises that improving gender representation is not simply about diversity targets, but about strengthening the future resilience of the independent aftermarket. 

Mark Field, Chief Executive of the IAAF, said: “Our industry has always been built on talent, innovation and opportunity, yet we know there are still too many people who simply don’t see automotive as a career for them. Driving Balance is about changing that perception. 

“Real change will only happen if we work together. By giving businesses practical guidance, creating stronger support networks and celebrating the diverse talent already within our sector, we can build an aftermarket that is stronger, more resilient and better equipped for the future.”