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CBI calls for a fairer system

THE CBI yesterday called for action to boost the number of women on boards.

They called for all listed companies to measure their progress on improving diversity so they can boost the number of women on boards and provide greater female representation.

In its submission to Lord Davies’ review, the CBI said the UK Corporate Governance Code should be require listed companies to report on diversity on a “comply or explain basis”.

This would involve reporting progress against internally-set targets that reflect their companies’ circumstances and having to explain if they fail to deliver.

Commenting on the CBI’s proposals, Helen Alexander, CBI President, said: “Boardrooms should harness the talents of the many, not just the few.

“Although women make up half of the population and more than half of university graduates, they remain woefully under-represented at board level.”

A similar scheme due to be introduced in Australia next year has already resulted in a sharp rise in the number of female board appointments.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .