A significant government figure has commented on the importance of flexible working as a tool for achieving gender diversity in the workplace.

Ursula Brennan, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, said human resources managers and company leaders need to "relentlessly police" flexible working policies to ensure they are being upheld.

Speaking to HR magazine at the Whitehall and Industry Group Gender Diversity Conference, Ms Brennan commented on a number of methods employers can use to ensure they have a strong pool of female talent in their labour force.

She said: "Make sure that throughout the organisation people recognise you care about flexible working and create a climate that makes that clear."

Ms Brennan also noted that diversity can deliver significant benefits for a business, as the most talented, valuable professionals want to work in a lively and varied environment, not in a "mono-culture".

HR magazine also spoke to Amanda Mackenzie, chief marketing and communications officer at insurance firm Aviva, who referred to a statistic that companies with female leaders outperform those led by men.

"If you are in business, do not walk past that statistic," she advised. "You are letting your shareholders down if you don't do something about it."

She added that diversity is everyone's responsibility, and stressed that deeds are more important than words.

Looking to the future, Ms Mackenzie said it is important for women to have not just role models, but "blueprints" showing them how they can make progress in their careers and demonstrating what "success might look like".

One recent development that could pave the way for more flexible working and greater gender diversity in the workplace is the government's renewed commitment to plans for shared parental leave.

The move was welcomed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which said the provision could help employers keep up with the 'changing nature' of work.