Women For Boards
The Problem: there are too few high-quality women on Boards
It is difficult to find high-quality women who bring value and capabilities – beyond gender diversity – who are ready to take on a Non-Executive role.
- Less than 7% of Non-Executive Directors across all UK quoted companies are women
- In the FTSE 100, only 15% of Non-Executive Directors are female
- In the FTSE 250, only 9% of the Non-Executives are female and 62% of these companies have no women Non-Executives at all
Why is this important?
Women can bring valuable diversity of thinking and a fresh perspective.
A study by Catalyst in 2007 of Fortune 500 companies concluded:
Companies with three or more women on their Boards had an 83% greater return on equity than companies with the lowest representation of women. Such companies had a 73% better return on their sales and a 112% higher return on invested capital. (cf. The Bottom Line: Corporate Performance and Women’s Representation on Boards, Catalyst, October 2007)
The Solution: how Women For Boards can help
The offering is built on a database of high-quality, high-potential women who are ready to take on their first Non-Executive role, developed by MWM through an extensive process of research and recommendations. The database includes women with exceptional experience and backgrounds in business and in other areas such as charity, government, and the law, and will continue to be updated as new candidates are identified. Drawing on this database, Women for Boards will work with FTSE 250 companies to identify suitable female Directors to join their Boards.
Candidates shortlisted for a Non-Executive role will be offered the opportunity to be mentored by a highly experienced, female Non-Executive Director to help them contribute effectively and become a valued Board member.
Mentors include:
- Helen Alexander – President of the CBI and Non-Executive Director of Rolls-Royce Group and Centrica
- Anna Ford – Non-Executive Director of Sainsbury
- DeAnne Julius – Chairman of Chatham House and Non-Executive Director of BP
- Johanna Waterous – Non-Executive Director of RSA Insurance Group and Morrisons Supermarkets
Interested in being part of the database or in hearing more about what Women For Boards can do for your Board?
Please contact: womenforboards@mwmconsulting.com
