UK: updated edition of the voluntary code of conduct for executive search firms

An updated edition of the voluntary code of conduct for executive search firms was published earlier this week: see here (pdf). Thirty-nine firms are code signatories and each is committed to following the Code in respect of their board and senior executive search activities: see here. The Code was created following a recommendation from the Davies Review ("Women on Boards") in 2011.  One of the Code's provisions states that search firms should, when presenting their longlists, ensure that at least 30% of the candidates are women.

UK: Gender Diversity on Boards - the Appointment Process and the Role of Executive Search Firms

Last year the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) commissioned the International Centre for Women Leaders at Cranfield University to examine the operation of the corporate board appointment process and the role of executive search firms. As part of this work, the EHRC has today published a research report titled Gender Diversity on Boards: The Appointment Process and the Role of Executive Search Firms: see here (pdf). An overview of the report's findings is available here. The report's authors conclude that the appointment of women to FTSE350 non-executive directorships is being held back by selection processes which ultimately favour candidates with similar characteristics to existing male dominated boards.

UK: women on boards - executive search firms code of conduct published

Earlier this year Lord Davies recommended in his report Women on Boards that executive search firms should prepare a voluntary code of conduct addressing gender diversity and best practice with regard to search criteria and processes relating to FTSE350 board appointments. Last Friday, a voluntary code of conduct was published containing 7 best practice principles: see here (pdf). With regard to the use of quotas to increase the proportion of women on boards, the current edition of The Economist contains an article - see here - reporting on developments across Europe including a new law in France and a vote earlier this month in the European Parliament.