London, 13 November 2019 – The Chartered Governance Institute has today welcomed the publication of the latest report from the Hampton-Alexander Review, but cautioned that while good progress is being made in terms of the number of women being appointed to the board, gender diversity in the executive pipeline is not yet good enough.
Peter Swabey, Policy and Research Director at The Chartered Governance Institute said:
“The Hampton-Alexander Review set a target of 33% for women in senior leadership positions in the FTSE 350 by the end of 2020 – a target which, back in 2016, some regarded as ambitious. This year, the FTSE 350 has passed the 30% mark with an increase particularly in the FTSE 250. But whilst the presence of women on boards is one key indication that their presence is accepted at the highest levels of organisations, it is the bench strength behind that, the presence of women on the executive committee below the board, which will demonstrate a future pipeline. Our FT-ICSA Boardroom Bellwether survey of FTSE 350 companies has consistently indicated that this is where the bigger challenge lies.
“This report shows that progress is being made, but it remains too slow and significant progress will be needed if the 33% target is to be achieved.”
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