London, 22 February 2022 – The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) welcomes publication today of the first report published by the FTSE Women Leaders Review which shows that almost 40% of UK FTSE 100 board positions are now held by women, gaining the UK an impressive second place in international rankings for female board representation.
Peter Swabey, Policy and Research Director at The CGIUKI said:
“It is remarkable that nearly 40 per cent of UK FTSE board positions are now held by women compared with 12.5 per cent just ten years ago. This report builds on previous work carried out through both the Davies Review and the Hampton Alexander Review.
“We should remain vigilant however. Although the pace of women being appointed to FTSE 350 boards has increased, there is still a need to develop and strengthen the pipeline of women and other under-represented groups ready to move into executive directorships.
“The FTSE Woman’s Leaders Review reflects the findings of our recent FTSE350 Boardroom Bellwether report, November 2021, in which 80 per cent of respondents considered their boards to be gender diverse. This positive news is tempered by the 41% who believe they do not have a sufficient executive pipeline to provide a pool of talented and diverse board members in the future. This raises some concern that growing gender parity at board level, or even maintaining current levels, might not be sustainable in a majority of FTSE companies without clearer plans to support the progression of female talent.”
For further information, please contact Jemima Broadbridge, Media Relations Manager:
jbroadbridge@cgi.org.uk+44 (0)20 7612 7072
+44 (0)7376 198 649
Notes to Editors:
The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland is the professional body for governance and the qualifying and membership body for governance professionals across all sectors. Its purpose under Royal Charter is to lead ‘effective governance and efficient administration of commerce, industry and public affairs’ working with regulators and policy makers to champion high standards of governance and providing qualifications, training and guidance. As a lifelong learning partner, the Institute helps governance professionals to achieve their professional goals, providing recognition, community and the voice of its membership.
One of nine divisions of the global Chartered Governance Institute, which was established 130 years ago, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland represents members working and studying in the UK and Ireland and in many other countries and regions including the Caribbean, parts of Africa and the Middle East.
Website: www.cgi.org.uk
