When voluntary compliance failed to result in a tangible increase in the number of female board members in its publicly listed companies the Norwegian government decided to get tough. 

It introduced a compulsory quota which meant that as a man moved out of a board position a woman was moved in, with the threat of dissolution for any company that failed to comply.

This month Norway set a global record as the proportion of its female non-executive directors topped 40 per cent.

This is in stark contrast to the UK where only 14.5 per cent of non-executive directors are female.

A Norwegian government spokesperson explained the rationale behind the legislation to the Guardian newspaper:  “Very seldom do men let go of power easily.  But when you start using the half of the talent you have previously ignored, then everybody gains.”

When asked by TJ whether the approach could work in the UK, CBI spokesperson, Marion Seguret, said that "while the CBI is supportive of equal opportunities and improving the role of women in the workplace, particularly at senior levels, the Norwegian approach would not work in the UK. 

"Aside from the fact that this type of positive discrimination would be unlawful, it would be better for women to be appointed on merit.  A voluntary scheme would take longer but would lead to greater benefits.

"It’s about increasing the pool of talent available.  The Norwegians found it problematic finding women with enough experience.  One way round this would be mentoring schemes or company programmes as a way of allowing women to progress."

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