Diversity: The risks of doing nothing are revealed

Not enough progress

Board and executive team diversity is becoming a focus for employees, investors, and regulators. So, what will it take for firms to act, and what happens if they do not?

The 'hidden truth' about diversity lies on page 15 of a report, published in June 2022 by Women on Boards and sponsored by Protiviti. The research, which shines a light on gender and ethnic diversity in the FTSE All-Share ex350 - the group of listed companies below the largest 350 on the London Stock Exchange - makes for a shocking reading. Some progress has been made, especially in non-executive positions where ethnic minority representation has increased. But many firms are falling behind: Fully half (50%) still have all-male executive leadership teams, and that number has only decreas...