Significant improvement' needed for UK firms to meet diversity targets

"Ethnic minority representation in leadership roles at the UK's largest companies has increased over the past year, a government-backed review has found. However, 'significant further improvement' is still needed to meet diversity targets by next year. The latest Parker Review also noted a 'disappointing' decline in black representation at board and senior management levels last year."

"The latest report found that ethnic minorities now hold 20 per cent of FTSE 100 board positions and 16 per cent of board roles at FTSE 250 firms, with both representing record levels. This included 14 ethnic minority chief executives across the FTSE 100, another record high."

"Chair of the review David Tyler said he was pleased with continued engagement and efforts regarding diversity from firms despite headwinds across the Atlantic, with many US companies pulling diversity and inclusion targets under Donald Trump's presidency."

A government-backed Parker Review found that ethnic minority representation in leadership roles at the UK's largest companies has increased over the past year, reaching record levels. Ethnic minorities now hold 20 percent of FTSE 100 board positions and 16 percent of board roles at FTSE 250 firms, with 14 ethnic minority chief executives across the FTSE 100. However, the review noted a disappointing decline in black representation at board and senior management levels. Despite this setback, ethnic diversity broadly improved across FTSE 350 boards and senior leadership. Review chair David Tyler expressed satisfaction with continued engagement from firms on diversity efforts, contrasting this with US companies reducing diversity initiatives under the Trump administration.

Read at www.independent.co.uk