Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to meet the Government's target of women making up 33 per cent of FTSE 350 boards by 2020.

Since 2010, the number of women on FTSE 350 boards has more than doubled and we now have the highest ever percentage of women on boards – over 24% in the FTSE 350. We also have only eight all-male boards remaining in the FTSE 350, and none in the FTSE 100. We are supporting the Hampton-Alexander Review to meet their target of women holding 33% of FTSE 100 senior leadership positions and 33% of FTSE 350 board positions. The Hampton-Alexander Review will report on 9 November regarding progress over the last 12 months of women on boards for FTSE 350 companies.

We will continue to work with businesses to highlight the benefits they gain from a more diverse board membership.