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The Female FTSE Board Report 2016
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
GSK’s Accelerating Difference leadership development initiative launched three years ago is
a long-term initiative which is showing real results. The 18-month programme supports the
development of high performing mid-to-senior level female leaders to help them advance
their careers and take on more senior roles. To date, 236 female leaders have completed or
are currently receiving individual and group coaching sessions.
GSK has also started ‘dialogue’ sessions, where equal numbers of women and men come
together in small groups to discuss the assumptions, practices and norms of the organization
that may help or hinder women’s progression into senior leadership roles. The attendees are
sponsors or managers of the women being coached. All line managers and sponsors are
mandated by GSK to attend a dialogue session.
Accelerating Difference is designed to support both the personal development of an
individual and the environment in which they operate, hence the involvement of the line
manager is key as it encourages them to think differently and be more open to difference.
This holistic approach means that the individual and the organization are working together
to ensure talented employees are encouraged to not only put themselves forward for more
senior roles, but also supporting them to ensure they stand the best chance possible of
being successful through the assessment process.
Current numbers participating in the initiative are almost double the intake of the previous
year and nearly 60% of participants in 2013 and 2014 have achieved a promotion or taken
on more responsibility in their role.
The careers of female leaders who have participated in the programme will be tracked for
five years and reported to CET every nine months to monitor the success of the initiative
over time and sustain a conscious effort on developing a diverse talent pipeline.
Case Studies