Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Phillips Excerpts
Monday 20th July 2015

(9 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness Morgan of Cotes Portrait Nicky Morgan
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Obviously, I refer the hon. and learned Lady to the exchange that we have just had. I certainly would like to see more women on all departmental boards, just as we have now seen that there are no all-male FTSE 100 boards—indeed, they have reached the 25% target. As she mentioned my other ministerial responsibilities, I might point out to her that the equalities board that has been set up has three men and eight women on it, so we are doing better in the equalities Department.

Stephen Phillips Portrait Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con)
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In this important issue it is not just the departmental boards that are important, but the senior ranks of the civil service. What progress has my right hon. Friend made, if any, on ensuring that there are more female senior civil servants in her Department?

Baroness Morgan of Cotes Portrait Nicky Morgan
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I thank my hon. and learned Friend for that question. He is absolutely right in what he says, and we have been talking about the executive pipeline. I am pleased to say that 45% of the DFE’s senior civil service are women, and 42% of our most senior management posts are held by women.