Progress remains slow but there are positive signs that more women are being appointed to the board at FTSE companies. Lord Davies is leading the government’s drive to get 25% of FTSE board roles occupied by women. And he reports that companies are taking action.
In the last six months (since initial report) 22.5 per cent of all FTSE 100 and 18 per cent of all FTSE 250 board appointments have been female. Although starting from a low number, this has effectively doubled the number of women in board position at FTSE companies.
If the glass ceiling can be broken, everyone stands to gain. And that includes companies. Evidence suggests that having a diverse board of directors is more effective and can help companies gain a competitive advantage. It will also widen the talent pool by encouraging promotion of talented female workers to the board. With the ‘war for talent’ raging, this seems a no-brainer.
Diversity is the key here. This is about what’s good for business and the economy. We don’t need quotas – just for employers to promote diversity at all levels.
David Cameron highlighted that there is still plenty of work to do but this is certainly a step in the right direction.
