Women Hold 43.4% of Board Seats in UK's FTSE 350 Companies

A recent government-backed report indicates that women now occupy 43.4% of board positions in Britain's 350 largest public companies, a notable increase from 40.2% in 2023. Despite this progress in boardroom representation, the number of female chief executives has declined for the second consecutive year, dropping to 19 in 2024. The report highlights that nearly three-quarters of these companies have met or exceeded the voluntary target of 40% female representation on their boards, reflecting the UK's business-led approach to diversity. British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to break down barriers for women in leadership roles to sustain economic growth. While the UK ranks second behind France in G7 countries for female board representation, there remains a need for further advancement in top executive positions. Overall, the report showcases significant strides in gender equality within boardrooms, yet underscores the ongoing challenges for women in attaining leadership positions.