PwC UK has committed to improving the level of female
representation at board and senior level positions.
The commitment came as the firm’s chairman Ian Powell joined the
30% Club, a group of organisations voluntarily committed to meeting
the goal of having 30% female representation on UK boards.
The club aims to inspire leaders to appoint more women to both
executive and non-executive director roles, as well as improving
the pipeline below board level and supporting successful women in
business.
The lack of women in leadership roles remains a widespread
problem, especially at top-tier management levels. A recent survey
conducted by International Accounting Bulletin (see
Getting the balance right) notes that of the top 10
global accounting networks, only one has a female CEO.
Women also only hold 20% of senior management positions in
privately held business despite outnumbering men in some accounting
firms.
Gender diversity ‘critical to firm’s success’
PwC currently has 18% female representation on its boards, while
FTSE 100 companies on average only have 14% female
representation.
Powell acknowledges the “competitive edge” diversity brings, as
well as the “positive influences” on the firm’s culture and
decision making processes that comes with having a better gender
balance.
“With an almost even number of women and men entering our
training schemes, it is important that this balance continues to be
reflected at all management levels. Signing up to the 30% Club is
not about ticking a box – it is critical to the firm’s success,” he
said.
PwC UK joins Lloyds, Centrica, Anglo American, Barclays and John
Lewis who are already members of the 30% Club.
Related articles
