
This is down from 54 per cent in 2021 but is still shockingly high when compared to companies in the FTSE 350, where only 4.6 per cent have all male executive leadership teams.
The report, released by Women on Boards UK in partnership with global consulting firm, Protiviti, reveals that women have made small gains in the last 12 months with 34 per cent female board directors, up slightly from 31 per cent in 2021.
Only 16 per cent of board chairs are women, and even fewer CEOs – seven per cent are women. This represents no change since 2021.
Furthermore, 44 per cent of companies in the FTSE All-Share ex350 have yet to achieve the relatively low target of 33 per cent of women on the boards, and 25 per cent of boards are all-male or with only one woman.
Speaking about the findings, Fiona Hathorn, CEO Women on Boards UK said, “The data shows small gains compared to last year, which is a positive indication that UK firms are starting to take boardroom diversity seriously.”
“Board diversity is increasingly viewed as a baseline requirement for modern companies, so it’s incredibly disheartening to see stagnant progress in some areas.”
“There remains a high number of firms yet to reach even the most minimal levels of diverse representation, at both executive and non-executive level.”
“To these firms I say, catch up – and quickly.”
Janet Barberis, Managing Director at Protiviti adds, “We are delighted to have partnered with Women on Boards on their research, which has shown that there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving gender equality on boards and at the C-Suite level.”
“It is clear that diversity is good for a company’s bottom-line and vital to success, and a lack of diversity is increasingly perceived as a reputational risk.”
“It is therefore extremely important that promoting diversity remains a top priority for management teams, and that data on diversity is readily available and shared transparently, which is what makes these findings so important.”
October
01nov09:0016:30KIN: Know. Inspire. Navigate | A Day for Women to Realign, Renew, and Rise
01/11/2025 09:00 - 16:30(GMT+00:00)
Henley Business School, Greenlands
Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AU
Set on the tranquil banks of the River Thames, Henley’s historic Greenlands campus offers the perfect backdrop for a day of reflection, connection, and
Designed for early to mid-career women across industries who want practical tools they can use immediately, this one-day retreat follows the Kinspace KIN framework – Know, Inspire, Navigate – guiding you to:
This is not just a feel-good day. It’s sustainable learning – you will leave with your own action and implementation plan tailored to your life, so you can apply what you’ve learned immediately and keep building momentum long after the retreat.
In the afternoon, slow down and reconnect with your senses in a mindful pressed flower card crafting, writing to self and picture workshop. We’ll ask a few questions ahead of time so we can pair you by goals and stage, and tailor examples to your context. Then, step outdoors for a unique partner reflection in nature – partnering with both the landscape and each other to inspire deeper insight and grounded action.
To help you stay accountable and supported, you’ll have the option to join three monthly follow-up group sessions (at a separate price) designed to check in on your progress, troubleshoot challenges, and keep you moving towards your goals.
This is a confidential and supportive space with limited seats to ensure meaningful connection and participation.
Date: Saturday 1 November 2025
Time: 9:00 AM -4:30 PMT
Location: Henley Business School, Greenlands Henley-on-Thames
RG9 3AU
Price: £250 – Early Bird £200 until 10 September
01nov10:0018:30The ADHD & Women Summit - London | Seed Talks
01/11/2025 10:00 - 18:30(GMT+00:00)
Woolwich Works
11 No 1 Street London SE18 6HD
A one-day series of talks and workshops from world-leading experts. Learn about ADHD and the distinct ways women
Learn about ADHD and the distinct ways women experience it from leading experts at this groundbreaking conference.
Research shows that in childhood, boys are diagnosed with ADHD 3-4 times more than girls. By adulthood, the ratio evens out to nearly 1:1 highlighting how girls and women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed and misunderstood in the medical framework.
With increased diagnoses and growing strains on the NHS and other support services, the ADHD & Women Summit aims to increase awareness and knowledge on the specific issues women with ADHD face.
This will be Seed Talks’ largest event to date, with our best speakers, most engaging workshops and favourite partners all in one space.
👭 Connect and network with like-minded individuals
🧬 Discover practical strategies for navigating life with ADHD
🎓 Hear from leading experts – including those with lived experience and those working in the field
👩🏫 Immerse yourself in a full day of talks and workshops
