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The Female FTSE Board Report 2016
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The UK has made great strides in bringing more women
into the boardroom over the last few years. We now
need to channel this energy into increasing the number
of women in executive and management positions, in
order to develop the talent pipeline that will be crucial
to realising gender equality in the corporate world. The
case, however, for more equal female representation is
not just one of morals and righteousness. Companies
that have chipped away at their own glass ceilings
never look back. The business case for putting more
women into management roles is clear-cut. Research
by McKinsey shows companies that score the best on
diversity are more likely to be top performers in their sector. In the UK, the gender pay gap is at
its lowest level on record and the most enlightened employers are taking action, rather than just
talking, when it comes to things like flexible working, job sharing, name-blind application forms
and internal mentoring schemes. These are necessities that can help propel ambitious women
to the top. Businesses must harness the full potential of all of their employees. Diversity is no
longer an added extra or a box which needs to be ticked. It is a fundamental driver of company
performance. The leaders of tomorrow – whatever their sex – will not forgive us if we fail to
act now.
Lady Barbara Judge CBE
Chairman of the Institute of Directors
FTSE 100 Companies