Dear Sajid,

Good progress has been made to increase the overall representation of women on boards since the publication of the Lord Davies report and credit should be paid to those companies and the 30 per cent club who have done much to drive this progress.

However these gains have overwhelmingly been achieved through the appointment of women to non-exec positions. Whilst 29.8% of non-executive directors in the FTSE 100 are now women, women make up just 9.6% of executive directors. Fewer than 10 female Executive Directors have been appointed since 2011.

Women should be playing a central role in the running and managing of British companies at executive level, as well as on the wider board.

We therefore urge you to build on the progress made by establishing a target for women Executive Directors in the FTSE 100 and setting clear objectives for the further increase beyond 25% of women’s representation on boards both in the FTSE 100 and 250, and businesses across the UK.

The business case for Boards with a wide range of skills, experiences and backgrounds is widely accepted so we ask that you also outline the action you are planning to take as Business Secretary to ensure there is further progress on Boardroom diversity more generally.

We look forward to your response.



Chuka Umunna MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills


Gloria De Piero MP
Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities