Getting women into the business boardroom

Published on Thursday, 03 November 2011 09:57

Posted by Scott Buckler

This morning representatives from the business world gathered to discuss the progress made on Lord Davies' recommendations to get more women into British boardrooms

Attendees included business and human resources representatives from the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250, the Women on Boards Steering Group and Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone.

Lord Davies said:

"The debate has not only caught people's imagination, but has driven real change in the corporate world.

"With a third of the FTSE 100 and a fifth of the FTSE 250 represented at today's event, I'm optimistic that today's discussion will drive further progress to address the key issues of training and mentoring for women already working within businesses.

"We have already seen the first steps towards gender equality in the boardrooms. For this to be sustained we will need to ensure a stream of talent is made ready for board roles."

Speaking at the event, Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said:

"The business case for increasing the number of women on boards is clear. It's about improving performance and having a board that reflects and understands its customers.

"Better use of women's skills could be worth billions of pounds to our economy each year. Progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go.

"Increasing women's representation at senior levels will increase diversity and help close the gender pay gap."

Source: BIS