UK: ECHR inquiry - the fairness, transparency and diversity of FTSE350 board appointments

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published the results of its inquiry into the fairness, transparency and diversity of FTSE350 board appointments: see here (pdf). A summary of the report is available here. Whilst welcoming the increase in women on company boards, including the fact that women now occupy over 25% of FTSE100 board positions, the report reveals wide differences at individual company level across the FTSE100 and FTSE350. For example, 45 individual FTSE100 companies failed to reach the 25% target set by Lord Davies. Other findings are reported in respect of the recruitment process and recommendations are also made for improving board diversity.

UK: EHRC inquiry into the appointment and recruitment of FTSE350 directors

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has begun an inquiry examining the recruitment and appointment practices of FTSE350 companies: see here. As part of the inquiry, guidance has been published on board appointments and equality law: see here (pdf).

UK: women on boards - Government response to European Commission's consultation

The Government has published its response to the European Commission's consultation on the gender imbalance of corporate boards: see here (pdf). Unsurprisingly, there is no enthusiasm for regulation or the introduction of quotas.

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.