Gender equality progress at UK's biggest firms is 'achingly slow'

Government-backed research found the average number of female FTSE 100 chief executives did not change last year, leaving nine women in those roles. The FTSE 350 missed its voluntary 40% senior leadership target, with women holding 36% of those positions.

Government-backed research shows limited recent change in female leadership at Britain's largest listed firms. The FTSE Women Leaders Review reported that the average number of female FTSE 100 chief executives was unchanged last year. Campaigners and the review's leadership described the pace of change as "achingly slow." The report also examined mid-sized firms in the FTSE 350 and measured progress against voluntary targets. Key facts: - The article reports that nine women served as FTSE 100 chief executives at the time of the review and notes several individual departures and index movements affecting those counts. - The FTSE 350 missed a voluntary target set in 2021 for 40% women in top executive roles, with women making up 36% of senior leadership positions. - Board representation in the FTSE 350 met the 40% goal, with women holding 43% of board seats. - Vivienne Artz, chief executive of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, described progress as "achingly slow" and highlighted the need for female talent to gain experience in revenue-generating and profit-and-loss roles. Summary: The review shows limited movement in the number of women at the very top of the largest UK listed companies, while board gender balance has reached the voluntary benchmark. The report also records some scheduled leadership changes at individual firms, and the outlook for broader progress is undetermined at this time.