How many women do we have in British boardrooms? The figures – 26.1% at FTSE 100 companies and 19.6% at FTSE 250 firms – are disappointing and the UK ranks sixth in Europe on this front.
That’s why a target has been set for FTSE 100 firms to have 33% female board members by 2020.
The gender equality report by Mervyn Davies laid out these plans, while also praising the work that had been done so far in improving representation (numbers have more than doubled since 2011 when the target was set). Davies, however, ruled out enforcing any form of quota, saying that this was “unwarranted as the progress so far proved that the voluntary approach is working”.
Not everyone looked so favourably on his new recommendations, however. Krystyna Nowak of executive search firm Norman Broadbent, who was at the launch of the report, deplored a “missed opportunity” and said Davies’ recommendations were disappointing. She said many companies would simply continue appointing women to non-executive director positions, leaving the executive board to continue to be dominated by men.
What is your experience? We want to hear from women sitting on boards and from those struggling to move into the boardroom. Share your stories and views with us below.
