Quotas for women should be compulsory, say women’s networks

Compulsory quotas for women in boardroom are a key way forward, according to a new poll carried out by leadership consultancy, White Water Group.

The research presents a view a year after the government-commissioned Lord Davies report said that companies need to achieve 25 per cent of women on UK boards by 2015 or face compulsory government measures.

The poll asked leaders of 30 corporate women's networks, representing more than 10,000 women at some of Britain's firms, what had changed since the Davies report was released in February last year.

It reveals that:

• Two thirds had seen no change in the opportunities for women in their companies

• More than 80 per cent think that it will take up to 20 years to reach 30 per cent of women in the executive suite

• Another two thirds concluded that quotas will be needed to achieve the target of 25 per cent by 2015

• Many agree that more involvement and encouragement by senior men is needed

Averil Leimon, co-founder of White Water Group and author of the book, Coaching Women to Lead, said: "Statistically the proportion of female directors at FTSE 100 companies rose from 12.5 per cent in 2010 to 15 per cent in 2011, but the women we spoke to don't feel that change is going fast enough or far enough. Quotas may be a blunt instrument but they may be inevitable.

"We don't believe, however, that compulsion will be enough to create change and reap the benefits of a more diverse management team. Our survey revealed that many women want more visible involvement from men, who will support the clear business case for more women in senior posts. This means mentoring women, investing in coaching and encouraging more female role models, as well as improving fairness in work practices."

Just a few weeks ago Prime Minister, David Cameron, said that he wanted to "accelerate" the increase in women on the board of top UK firms, preferably without resorting to quotas, but did not rule them out.

"Getting this right is not just about careers for women; it's essential for the economy as a whole," said Leimon.

"We've shown that businesses with equal numbers of men and women at the senior management level are more profitable than businesses with predominantly male leaders. What's more, demographic shifts mean that by 2030 the UK will be short of 1.3m people of leadership age. More women in senior management would address both these issues."