The North West Women and Work Task Force has recently published its findings on the position of women leadership in the North West of England.
The North West Women and Work Task Force was set up by the North West
Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and 4 North West (4NW) to investigate the
barriers to women achieving higher levels of leadership positions across all sectors in
the North West of England.
Over a six month period the Task Force set out to understand the current position; to
examine the economic case for greater diversity at senior leadership levels and to
identify practical recommendations for change.
This report combines evidence from academic research with the experience of
companies and business leaders in the North West. It also includes the voices of 300
men and women who completed the Task Force survey “North West: Best for
Women?” and over 40 organisations which responded to the consultation on the
Task Force recommendations.
Women should comprise at least 30% of all boards and leadership teams – this is the
overall conclusion of the North West Women and Work Task Force. To achieve this
target of 30%, the region has to develop a gender-balanced supply of future leaders;
and organisations need to develop and retain more female talent and create a
working environment in which diversity can thrive.
There is a strong economic case for change, which can be adapted for different
contexts, kept up to date and used to stimulate widespread debate. The Task Force
urges more organisations to demonstrate their commitment to this agenda by
adopting ‘30% women leaders’ as a business target. Economic growth relies on
making better use of talent, which means involving more women in decision-making
roles. The Task Force report and recommendations are directly relevant to anyone
interested in building a strong and sustainable economy within the North West of
England.
