Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
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Women on Boards: One-Year-On
Lord Davies of Abersoch today publishes the first annual progress report on his ground-breaking review of Women on Boards.
One year on, Lord Davies and his review panel report a growing recognition of the benefits gained by business, the economy and society by appointing more women to decision-making roles. This understanding is reflected in the unprecedented pace of change seen in the make-up of UK boardrooms.
Lord Davies said:
“I believe that we are finally seeing a culture change taking place right at the very heart of British business in relation to how women are seen within the workforce.
“Some excellent work has taken place and I want to take this opportunity to thank the many Chairmen, Chief Executive Officers, business organisations, training providers, networks, journalists and individual business men and women whose commitment to this issue remains unstinting. However, I must also emphasise that efforts need to be ramped up and the speed of change accelerated if we’re to avoid Government interference.”
Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable said:
“Increasing female board representation is a win-win proposition for business. Well-balanced boards with broader experience introduce fresh perspectives and new ideas, which help improve performance and boost productivity.
“This report provides real evidence that business is taking the issue of board diversity seriously and is working to bring about the necessary changes. It demonstrates why we don't think quotas are necessary at the moment as the UK is making the voluntary approach work.”
Between 2008 and 2010, the number of women directors had effectively plateaued, stalling at less than a single percentage point rise year-on-year. However, in the twelve months since Lord Davies’s report was published, the largest-ever annual increase in the percentage of women on boards has been recorded.
As of the end of February 2012, within the FTSE 100:
• Women now account for 15.6% of all directorships, up from 12.5%
• 47 female appointments have been made since publication of the women on boards report last February
• 27% of all board appointments have been taken up by women, up from 13%
• Just 11 all-male boards remain, down from 21
Within the FTSE 250:
• Women account for 9.6% of all directorships, up from 7.8%
• 26% of all board appointments have been taken by women
• For the first time ever all-male boards are in the minority, 112 companies, or 44.8%, down from 52.4%
• 53 female appointments have been made since publication of the women on boards report last February
This progress is particularly encouraging considering the long lead times involved between a board position opening up and a new appointment being confirmed.
Cranfield School of Management’s Female FTSE report, also published today, notes that should current momentum be maintained, a record 26.7% female board representation in FTSE 100 companies would be achieved by 2015.
Amanda Mackenzie, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Aviva and a member of Lord Davies's review panel, said:
‘’What has been achieved in year one is hugely encouraging, particularly for a generation of talented women who will form part of the diverse and better boards of the future.
“Year Two is about focussing on developing that pipeline of female executive talent, tackling all male boards and growing the momentum of change.’’
The One Year On report tracks current progress against each of Lord Davies’ ten original recommendations.
His first recommendation proposed that FTSE 100 boards should aim for a minimum of 25% female representation by 2015. To date, 17 companies in the FTSE 100 have already reached the 25% target and a further 17 are currently between 20% and 25%.
21 FTSE 250 companies have reached the 25% target and a further 28 companies are currently between 20% and 25%.
Over the next year, Lord Davies and his panel will prioritise work towards reaching the 25% target in FTSE 350 companies, and on building a sustainable, credible supply of board-ready women through training and development initiatives.
Notes to editors:
More information on Lord Davies’s Review of Women on Boards can be found at http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2011/Feb/women-on-boardsCranfield Female FTSE report will also be published on Tuesday 13 March. Telephone (0)1234 754425 or email marie.mccormack@cranfield.ac.uk for more information BIS's online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Una Flynn
Phone: 020 7215 5256
Una.Flynn@bis.gsi.gov.uk
