The Hidden Truth: Diversity on Boards across UK listed Firms

Protiviti, for the third consecutive year, has sponsored 'The Hidden Truth' report from WB Directors. This report highlights the state of gender representation in boardrooms. While progress has been significant over the past decade thanks to initiatives like the FTSE Women Leaders Review, female representation is far from equal, especially in listed firms outside of the FTSE 350. It reveals that just 12.7% of key roles—like Chair, SID, CEO, and CFO—are held by women, with merely 0.7% being women of color. This underrepresentation underscores the need for boards to champion equity.

Topics

Board Matters ESG/Sustainability

"Whilst overall representation of female board members has improved significantly, equal representation around every board table is a long way off."

LinkedIn Live on-demand: Decode The Hidden truth report with Fiona Hathorn and Janet Barberis

“Regarding diversity, while there have been important advances at the leadership ranks in organisations over the past decade, the glass ceiling still very much exists. This is why the research and advocacy that WB Directors performs is so important.”

– Janet Barberis
Managing Director, Protiviti

“To understand the lack of representation of women, and women of colour in particular, we must look at the talent pipeline at every level and at the new generations coming in. The reasons behind a lack of diversity are complex, being interwoven with company culture and effective ED&I action. There are no simple solutions here.”

– Matthew Duncan
Managing Director, Protiviti

“Gender diversity in UK listed boards has improved, yes, but an unacceptable number of board tables are still male dominated. I sense a real danger of attention drifting on this issue.”

– Fiona Hathorn
CEO, WB Directors UK