Women on boards

The IoD is often asked about the number of women on company boards. Companies House does not systematically record director gender, meaning there is no ‘push button’ method for summoning accurate data on the number of female board members across UK PLC. However, the status of women on boards has been the subject of committed and competent research.

The Government-backed Davies Review started in 2011 with a detailed investigation of women on the boards of FTSE350 companies. The Davies Review ran for five years before being followed by the Hampton-Alexander Review in late 2016. Together, these two projects provide clear, objective evidence on gender balance in the boardroom. Cranfield School of Management has been involved in both the Davies and Hampton-Alexander Reviews, and continues at the forefront of research into women on boards.

Associates and members only

This resource is for IoD members and associates only. Please sign in here or click below to find out about the many benefits of IoD membership.

Better directors for a better world

The IoD supports directors and business leaders across the UK and beyond to learn, network and build successful, responsible businesses.

Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace

Browse valuable diversity resources from the IoD.
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